tracked leader, led after 3 out, strongly challenged when mistake last, headed closing stages, no extra
chased leaders, smooth progress after 3 out, every chance last, led run in, ran on well
chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, mistake next, soon weakened
led until approaching 2 out, weakened before last
settled in rear but in touch, not fluent 6th, some headway 4 out, weakened after next
Lady Buttons is a real flag-bearer for Philip Kirby's yard having already won two bumpers and four hurdle races. She couldn't quite live with La Bauge Au Roi over the smaller obstacles at Wetherby earlier this month but that was no disgrace, though she's tackling fences for the first time as is Mariah's Legend. Dusky Legend was never getting to RENE'S GIRL at Warwick and Dan Skelton's mare will take some catching here with a similar performance. The Nipper jumped poorly behind Born Survivor at Wetherby but should have learned from that.
Dusky Legend 13-8fav (10-12) In touch in 4th, chased winner from 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Rene's Girl (10-12) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct.
Lady Buttons 7-1 (10-12) In touch in mid-division, jumped slowly 5th, closed next, 2nd before 3 out, led next, ridden and edged right before last, headed flat, edged right again, held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2l behind La Bague Au Roi (11-0) at Wetherby 2m lst (1) sft in Nov.
Mariah's Legend 20-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, outpaced after 2 out, well held before last, 9th of 12, 25 1/2l behind Midnight Tour (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gd in Apr.
Rene's Girl (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Made all, clear before 4 out, kept on strongly, won at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct beating Dusky Legend (10-12) by 11l, 8 ran.
The Nipper (IRE) 3-1 (10-8) Took keen hold, tracked leaders on inside, switched to outside after 4th, chased winner 7th until 9th, jumped right 4 out, soon shaken up, went 2nd again 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 4, 11l behind Born Survivor (11-1) at Wetherby 1m 7f (3) sft in Nov.
