held up in 4th place, challenged on bit 2 out, led run-in, soon hung right, ridden and quickened clear, impressive
raced on inside, chased leader until before 2 out, rallied into 2nd again between last 2, staying on same pace in 2nd when hampered run-in, hung left and lost 2nd towards finish
raced wide, held up in last pair, bit closer 4 out, went 2nd before 2 out until ridden between last 2, weakened quickly soon after
held up in last pair, outpaced 3 out, rallied on outside chasing leaders approaching last, not much room and kept on run-in, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden and weakened after 2 out
kept out wide, led and soon clear, reduced lead 3 out, headed and outpaced when hampered run-in, soon weakened
Lady Buttons, a star of northern racing, arrives here after prevailing in one of the finishes of the season at this venue when just outpointing Happy Diva and La Bague Au Roi. She's back over hurdles now and has obvious claims but FLORESSA (NAP) receives a valuable 4lb, is probably unfortunate not to be unbeaten this season and the form of her latest win at Newbury has worked out especially well. She should have more to offer too after just three starts over hurdles and receives preference. The formbook suggests the remaining quartet have something to find against the big two but Irish Roe has gone well here previously and rates next best.
Lady Buttons 11-4 (11-2) Tracked leaders on in 4th on inside, 3rd 5 out, switched right going well 2 out, strong challenge on outside run-in, stayed on gamely to lead post, won at Doncaster 2m 5f lst (1) gs in Dec beating Happy Diva (11-2) by hd, 7 ran.
Floressa (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd 3 out, upsides last, led early run-in, stayed on well, readily, won at Newbury 2m lst (1) gs in Nov beating Jeremys Flame (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Fleur Irlandaise (FR) 10-1 (11-0) Tracked leader until after 3rd, 2nd again 5th, pushed along before 2 out, soon ridden and outpaced, weakened into 4th run-in, last of 4, 19 1/4l behind Silver Forever (11-0) at Sandown 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Jan.
Irish Roe (IRE) 2-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out until next, kept on one pace, last of 3, 6 1/2l behind I'm To Blame (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 6f (4) gs in Jan.
Litterale Ci (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Held up in mid-division on inside, headway chasing leaders before 2 out, went 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 14, 10 1/2l behind Misty Bloom (10-3) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Timetochill (IRE) 4-7fav (11-7) Made all, clear 3 out, comfortable, won at Musselburgh 2m (4) gs in Nov beating Smart Lass (11-0) by 8l, 12 ran.
