The predicted going at the time of writing is good, and with the prospect of it drying out further, Wetherby are watering.
Not What It Seems will have his third start over timber in the 1.15.pm. a two miles maiden hurdle. Not What It Seems was very consistent in his bumpers, placing on all three starts for his previous trainer Gordon Elliott, before winning for us first time up at Sedgefield last December. He was far too keen on his hurdles debut at Catterick four weeks later, and paid the price when unseating at the third. He settled more at Wetherby 24 days ago, but his jumping could have been better, and he weakened from two out to finish a well beaten fourth. He takes on the second and third placed horses again, and he should be eligible for a handicap mark after this, Billy Garritty will once again be in the saddle.
Enfin Phil runs in the 0-120 two miles and five furlongs at 3.20.pm, with Henry Brooke riding him for the first time. His mark has now slipped back to 115, which is 1lb lower than when he last won at Catterick in January of last year. He has failed to get competitive in his five starts since, including puling up the last twice. This trip could possibly stretch his stamina, and as his best form is on a softer surface, the watering of the track will help.
Maison D'Or who normally plies his trade around Catterick, runs at Wetherby for the first time in the three miles 0-100 handicap hurdle at 4.22.pm, with Alain Cawley in the saddle. Maison D'Or has raced five times this season, all at sharp tracks. His seasonal debut was at Musselburgh, where he registered a very promising second. He did nothing wrong on his next two starts which were both at Catterick, when finishing forth, and second, and his last two starts which were also at Catterick can be excused because of the soft ground. Maison D'Or stays forever, so Wetherby's galloping track should play to his strengths, but the handicapper has him about right.
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Good luck to the connections, Ryder Sugden, Randall Orchard & Partners, and D Lees.