Wetherby officials will be hoping today's meeting goes by without incident, following criticism of the state of the ground, particularly on the chase track. They rightly point to a good turn-out on the card, though it may be significant that there are no runners from the stables of Ferdy Murphy and Sue Smith, both normally familiar names at Wetherby.
The likely fast ground won't inconvenience Mhilu (4.20) and Tony McCoy's mount is set to go off at prohibitive odds. At around 8-1, Manbow (3.50) is, however, a bit of value in the Bobby Renton Chase, a race he won following a lay-off last year. Manbow has a fine record at Wetherby, goes well on fast ground and also seems to reserve his best for Graham Lee in the saddle.
Diamond Harry (3.05), one of last season's leading bumper horses, makes his hurdling debut in an interesting contest at Uttoxeter. Trainer Nick Williams has had the five-year-old primed to win the same valuable bumper at Newbury on his two appearances so far, and Diamond Harry should be straight enough in condition for this. Timmy Murphy keeps the ride despite owner David Johnson having two Pipe-trained runners in the race.
.jpg?w=600)
