Half Time Plate review and update

In Black was the card before the off So lets have a look out how the runners have done at around half way

Vince Paige (11-10f) the 9 time winner has said he is going for it again this time started poorly, but can anyone really stop him getting his 10th win. NOT REALLY BEEN CONVINCING LOOKS LIKE HE DOESN'T LIKE COMPETITION FOR THE LEAD! NOW 7-4JF

Justin Sercombe (7-4) two times in a row winner surely will try and defend especially now he has moved to 2nd in the all time winner list on 5 wins (above Ian Carpenter), Vince didn't really play last comp but he beat him fair and square in the spring, yet to start in this one. GOING WELL WITHIN HIMSELF AND SITTING OFF THE LEADERS WHICH IS HOW HE USUALLY RUNS BUT WORK TO DO SO NOW 11-4

Barry Pemble (11-4) 3 time winner, pretty much always does well in this back after a summer break! so must be a strong runner 2 for 2 so far so started well. NOT QUITE HIS USUAL SELF JUST GIVES THE IMPRESSION HE IS NOT QUITE UP FOR THIS ONE 5-1

Stuart Bentham (4-1) clearly going for it in these early stages given he is 4 from 4 with a best price 8-11, but can he keep up the pace?  Has only won the plate once in December 2011 (#29). BOWLING ALONG IN FRONT AND LOOKS TO BE REALLY ENJOYING HIMSELF STARTING TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION HE MIGHT NOT GET CAUGHT 7-4JF

Ian Carpenter (6-1) 4 time winner but nothing since #23 in august 2009, definite possible! LOOKS TO HAVE NO CHANCE NOW 99 POINTS OFF THE LEAD 20-1

Kevin Wood, (15-2) strong contender last time but only ever won it once in December 2009 STILL IN THE LEADING GROUP AND SAVING HIMSELF FOR A STRONG FINISH BUT HAS HE LEFT HIMSELF TOO MUCH TO DO 13-2

Maurice Edgington (12-1), never won it and finished on the bubble 3 times in a row - I'm not a definite runner yet, not decided, I had a better comp last time not messing about with the plate missed cash by one place after being overtaken on the last day! LOL 66-1 AND THAT'S NO VALUE!

Chris Pascoe & Kevin Roberts, (both 14-1) both cashed last time and strong players in the main comp good each way bets here but with a full field and only 5 spots paying will there be space. CHRIS DEFINITELY HAVING THE BEST RUN OF HIS CAREER A LEADING CONTENDER BUT STILL SOME DOUBT HE WILL FULLY STAY NOW 5-2

Terry Matthews (20-1) has cashed this year but tailed off in 17th place in the last comp will he be trying? NO HE ISN'T TRYING TAILED OFF 2ND LAST 1000-1

Martin Long, (20-1) one time contender but pretty much leaves it alone now (last won it in April 08 #19), depends on whether he has the incentive of a side bet with Vince if he plays so may refuse to start! STILL RUNNING BUT THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE THE JOCKEY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO PULL HIM UP! 1000-1


Pete Long (33-1) - 5th in the summer comp must have been a fluke, - surely that was a career best run :-) NOW 66-1 AND CATCHING MAURICE AS THEY FIGHT IT OUT FOR NO REAL PURPOSE OTHER THAN A LIFE LONG RIVALRY

One to watch - Tom McGarrity first time runner this comp, knows his stuff, just depends on whether he has managed to side step enough of the genes on the sire's side! STARTED WELL BUT LOOKS LIKE THIS TRIP IS SIMPLY TOO FAR FOR HIM 500-1

STEVE CARTER WORKING HARDER THAN THE OTHERS IN THE LEADING GROUP BUT STILL THERE 25-1, BEN CHEETHAM & RICHARD PASCOE NOW LOOSING TOUCH WITH THE LEADING GROUP 33-1 EACH