Highlight of the W’stow year? –

Walthamstow Report 13 Feb 2007

Ordinarily the first round of the Walthamstow Arc would be considered one of the highlights of the year. This year however, the comp looked distinctly moderate. It was not helped by a deluge and the track was turned into a bit of a swamp.

The first race was taken by the Mark Wallis trained Special Roxi who was previously doubly declared. She led to half way until Questhouse Chloe took over. Questhouse Chloe had a dwell up and Special Roxi took it up again on the run in.

There was more dwelling in the hurdles race as Gantara seemed to have plenty in hand and toyed with Wol in the race.

The thrilling S3 unsurprisingly saw a number of different leaders. First Time Connection broke well, but her stamina quickly gave way. Next up was True Fowler who took up the running off the 3^rd bend and faded badly before reaching the 5^th bend. They will have to get the grading down to S473 before this one wins over this trip. Layhams Lucky picked up the pieces at the 5^th bend.

The first round of the Arc was one for the layers as the Gaskin pair Ronnies Earner and Greenfield Hero both disappointed. Greenfield Hero missed the break and was badly crowded at 1/2W. After a modest break, Ronnies Earner’s steering went awry at the 2^nd bend and he also came together with his kennelmate at 1/2W, but still qualified comfortably in 2^nd. Pork Pie was the benefactor as he was allowed to make all. Roxholme Babe broke very well, but lost the plot at the first bend. Aghaburren Wood fell out, went rails and stayed on, but failed to qualify. Newtown Daylami sneaked in unnoticed to grab the 3rd qualifying spot.

The 2^nd round of the Arc was a messy affair. Cobra Striking produced his usual blinding start, but folded tamely as the field swept by him at the 3^rd turn. He is a short runner, but the conditions may not have suited. Blonde Buster hit the front at the 3^rd bend, but could not hold Too Risky, who came home best. This was a race to put a line through for form purposes though.

The 3^rd heat was taken in trap to line fashion by Bigbadassassian. Blonde Sheriff

(previously noted here) attracted some support at morning odds and showed plenty of pace in the race. He again got worked up in the traps, but showed some decent pace down the back straight. If he can settle in the traps, he might still fin a few lengths. Bigbadassassian did nothing wrong, but needs things to fall his way, in my view. Exclusive Lee (Cobra Striking’s brother) kept on for 3^rd.

It was about time that things livened up as we reached the 4^th heat. Roswell Starship went bang out of the traps and made all. This is a fast dog when it all clicks and I should think this is a runner in the event proper. Rough Region went middle and was crwd run up, but kept on. Raging Jack did not look 100%, but stayed on for 3^rd.

Back to the graded racing and the well backed Shelbourne Thesa gave her rivals a start and a beating as she landed short odds here. Pigalle Lass made the running to the 5^th bend and kept on for 2^nd. The rest were down the khazi.

The 5^th heat resulted in an unlikely 1-2 for the Reynolds kennel. The favvy Clonbrin Show broke modestly and could not get on terms. Risk Related broke averagely and led at ½ way. His kennel mate Back By Daylight stayed on for 2^nd after a modest break. Legal Major plugged on for the 3^rd qualifying spot.

The 6^th heat featured last years finalist Vancouver Sparky. I reported him lame last time, but took no pleasure in seeing him trounced and from a very early stage too. Debbies Choice went bingo from the traps, but somehow lost the plot at the 3^rd turn, before straightening up for a comfortable 2^nd. Lenson Tearaway broke well, was taken by Debbies Choice, but was presented the race back at the 3^rd turn. The early pace shown by Debbies Choice marks her a serious runner in the event in my book.

The 7^th heat was won by the inspired selection of the Racing Post’s Tony Bullen, Mystical Haka at a juicy 8-1 morning price. I cannot comment on the rumours that Tony has purchased a small island on the proceeds of this race. Zigzag Dutchy flopped out of the traps, moved off and then showed some decent pace. He’ll strip fitter for this race and Saturday may be the time to catch him.

The final heat was taken by the complete outsider of the field Armies Plan. This was his 4^th win from his last five starts. The Ante Post favvy Jazz Hurricane stumbled at the start and stayed on through the beaten dogs to grab 3^rd. Blonde Zak ran on for 2^nd.

Lockdale Lady was another winner for the Wallis kennel and he was impressive here in beating Ross Fortune five lengths.

Last updated: 13 Jun 2008 by Stow_judge