And here, at Lushtree, for the Nic-challenge cup, the runners and riders are already out of the stalls and half way around the course.
Storming into an early and commanding lead is Gailxxx, but making a late break MissKitty is gaining, by about 20 clicks a day. Reeb has been a strong contender from the start, with a steady score, placing him in 3rd. But now, 500 clicks behind Gail, can he catch up. In 4th, Katalyst came out of nowhere, and is holding position well, despite a strong showing from Lushprincess, just 46 clicks behind. Katie1984 has climbed steadily, and could be neck and neck with the leaders at the end. Rank outsider, Freelancer, continues to amaze, holding off strong challenges from MisteressMelli and Tangerinesky, both less than 75 clicks behind. Trios makes up the last of the leading 10.
In the rest of the pack, at 20 and 21, Sarahhbabeez and Fargo are battling it out, with Sarah just moving ahead and up the field fast, and looking promising for a top 10 finish. In 30th, Charley continues to bring up the rear, but can he hold on. Showing late, in position 34, Catnip is thundering along, mounting a real fightback.
No fallers yet, but expect tears at the end.
And, as they approach Beecher's for the first time, it's still Gailxxx in the lead by 700 clicks and pulling away. But a strong showing overnight by the ever resourceful LushPrincess has seen her leap from 5th to 2nd, pushing Reeb into 3rd; he's going to have to get that riding crop going if he's to catch up. In 4th, dropping from 2nd, is MissKitty, but she looks to be gathering strength, so expect a sterling fightback over the next two days. Dropping a bit and starting to tire is Katalyst, down to 5th, but still leading Katie1984 by 70 clicks. Outsider, Freelancer continues to hold ground on MisteressMelli in 8th and Tangerinesky in 9th. Making up the top 10 is the fast moving Rileysmiley, who should continue to gain ground.
Further down the pack, now in 16th, Sarahhbabeez continues to make ground as she battles with msa_sl. Fargo is hanging on, but one to watch Catnip is making good running, up from 34 yesterday to 21. At the speed she's moving, a top 15 spot looks possible.
Charley's dropped to 31st, and looks to be struggling.
My horse started running the other way.
And, as they approach the End Of October Turn, it's still Gailxxx out in front and holding on, but an overnight charge from LushPrincess has shortened the lead to within 150 clicks. LushPrincess wants this win badly and is giving it all she's got. Moving back up the field is MissKitty, passing the flagging Reeb for 3rd, with Katalyst maintaining 5th and the 70 clicks gap to Katie1984. Fast moving Rileysmiley is contnuing to make ground on the top 5, as she moves into 7th, just in front of Freelancer. It's getting really close out there between Freelancer, MisteressMelli and Tangerinesky in 10th; only 70 clicks covering all three.
Thundering up the field, Sarahhbabeez is now in 13th and looking likely to challenge for a top 10 place in the next couple of days. She's definitely a hot tip. Up to 17th from 21st yesterday, Catnip continues to make ground on the leaders, but right behind is LesbianVampClick following a late challenge yesterday.
Stop press ... stop press ... It's neck and neck at the front, as LushPrincess screams up alongside Gailxxx, but can she pass and pull away. Will Gail make a fightback ...
And LushPrincess moves into the lead, from Gailxxx.
Sometimes, Gypsy, a boy's got to pull every trick in the bag. I knew it wouldn't fool you, though. Cx
You missed your true calling in life Charley. Unless you actually are a horse racing announcer!
No, Nicola, I'm not a racing announcer ... and to be quite honest, I loathe horse racing. Cheers, Cx
