held up, headway 10th, ridden and no impression from 2 out
tracked leader, mistake 1st and 9th, led 3 out, ridden out gamely
led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened last
tracked leaders, ridden 9th, soon lost touch, behind when pulled up 3 out
in touch, lost touch 8th, behind when pulled up 3 out
close up, ridden to chase winner 2 out, kept on one pace
in rear, ridden and some headway 4 out, weakened 2 out
towards rear, headway 9th, ridden and weakened 3 out
HALLMARK STAR has slipped down the handicap and found only one too good at Hexham last time. Lucinda Russell's charge may finally register his first win in this. Carlos Fandango was placed in a more competitive race at Ayr last month but has yet to figure in heavy going while The Flaming Matron failed to complete last time attempting to follow up a win at Hexham. Carhue Princess makes a quick reappearance after disappointing at Bangor on Friday but Romany Ryme can figure off his current mark.
Carlos Fandango (IRE) 3-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, mistake 2nd, went 2nd behind clear leader before 6th, closing when not fluent 4 out, led 2 out, soon headed, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Redpender (10-5) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Romany Ryme 4-1 (10-13) Led narrowly, headed 8th, not fluent and lost place 5 out, no chance with front trio from next, 4th of 6, 14l behind Montoya's Son (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Hallmark Star 11-2 (11-9) Close up, lost place before 9th, headway 3 out, chased winner before last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Milan Royale (10-11) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft in Nov.
The Flaming Matron (IRE) 17-2 (11-2) Led to 5th, pushed along before 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up 3 out, in a race won by Maggie Blue (9-13) at Ayr 3m mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Nov, 5 ran.
Oxalido (FR) 14-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway on outside after 3 out, 4th when not fluent last, kept on run-in pressing for 3rd but no threat to leading duo, 4th of 9, 8l behind Madam Lilibet (11-0) at Carlisle 3m 1f am hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Nov.
Oscar Lateen (IRE) 5-2fav (10-1) With leader when mistake and unseated rider 7th, in a race won by Montoya's Son (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov, 6 ran.
Verko (FR) 8-1 (10-5) Held up behind on outside, hit 10th, headway 5 out, went 2nd 3 out, effort next, ridden and one pace before last, no impression with winner flat, 2nd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Notonebuttwo (9-7) at Newcastle 3m hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Nov.
Apache Pilot 6-5fav (10-5) Chased leading pair when blundered and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by Generous Chief (11-5) at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft, 4 ran.
Carhue Princess (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Close up, led 2nd, headed 6th, led again 7th, pushed along and clear before 2 out, kept on from last, won at Towcester 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Nov beating I Know The Code (11-0) by 4l, 8 ran.
