Winning Post-1800m: Some sections within this area are worse that others and I felt it walked in the Heavy 9 range in parts. Closer to the fence probably slightly inferior but at this stage of the race I can't see jockeys doing anything to get off the fence.
1800m-1200m: This section of the track is in the best order. In my opinion, it was only slightly worse than a 7 and the coverage is noticeably better than elsewhere. Horses should travel through this part of the track pretty comfortably.
1200m-800m: Thought the inside 4 lanes were superior here. The coverage is slightly better and there is more wear out wide from jump outs and trackwork gallops. I'd say lanes 2,3,4 were the pick of the them but racing may even that up at some point. It walked a genuine 8 for the most part, but there were a few sections out wide at around the 800m mark that would be a Heavy 10.
800m-400m: Crucial part of the track here as this is the area where the backmarkers start peeling out. Unfortunately, I think it will be hard going for them beyond lane 4 where I thought the going was softer and coverage sparce. Jump outs and gallops have marked this area of the track more and the wet weather has made it very soggy. It might level out with racing but I'd much rather be in lanes 1-4 in this section. Thought it would be in the Heavy 9 range for racing, but inside lanes more like an 8.
400m-Winning Post: Again, not that keen to be in lanes 5-7 here but unlike the previous section riders could potentially scout even wider looking for better ground. Still think lanes 2,3,4 will probably be the part of the track that will race best for the majority of the card. Walked a genuine heavy track, was probably an 8 at the time I walked it but further rain since would have it a 9 and potentially worse if rain falls on raceday.
Verdict: Expecting the track to be a Heavy 9 or 10 depending on whether it rains on raceday. I think there's a good advantage for horses racing in lanes 1-4 early, and probably lanes 2,3,4 for the majority of the card. I think those sitting back and swooping wide will find it hard work to make ground.
Michael Hickmott Bloodstock, A T Maloney, K A Perry, P B Dobson, A L Beaton, S Gluyas, C K Clarke, R A J Lawrie, A J Smith, S W Hyland, M J Grantham, R Rich, J Pratt, B S McLachlan & Dascomarles Synd
Royal Blue, Gold Diamond Band, Diamond Striped Sleeves, Gold Cap
Owners
Ms T Hartwell, Dr J K Sinclair, N P Cadd, M D Bruggemann, N Stratfold, L K Stratfold, R M Dean, Mrs J B Dean, A G Grantham, G E Ireland, J R Spackman, F R Studd, J Spicer, G C Brown, Mrs B J Hughes & Mrs A K Clayton
