led until approaching 4 out, weakened next
tracked leader, led before 4 out, hard pressed from next, headed towards finish, kept on gamely
tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, under pressure 5 out, soon weakened, tailed off
held up in touch, took closer order 5 out, every chance from next, weakened last
chased leaders, shaken up to challenge after last, hard ridden to lead towards finish, all out
Nonrunner
Bitofapuzzle steps up in class bidding to keep her unbeaten record intact. She won a maiden contest at Wincanton on her hurdling bow while Maybe Plenty landed a novice event at Warwick with the minimum of fuss last time. Both have the potential to go on to better things but THE PIRATE'S QUEEN looks a safer proposition. Alan King's mare has been placed in Grade 2 company and beat today's opponent and subsequent winner Balmusette eight lengths at Doncaster last month. She may just edge this with the remaining pair looking to have plenty to find in this grade.
Balmusette 2-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway to lead after 3rd, headed 5th, chased leader, led again after 2 out, ridden flat, just held on, won at Catterick 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd beating Briery Belle (10-10) by hd, 11 ran.
Bitofapuzzle 2-13fav (10-12) Close up in chasing group, challenged 8th, led going well 3 out, went right last, ridden flat, asserted final 100 yards, won at Wincanton 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gd beating Kilronan High (10-12) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Maybe Plenty 2-1fav (10-12) Made all, hit 4 out, pushed clear before 2 out, in no danger when hit last, eased towards finish, won at Warwick 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Triumph Davis (10-12) by 12l, 7 ran.
Rons Dream 12-1 (10-12) Keen, jumped slowly 1st, towards rear, headway 7th, pushed along 3 out, kept on same pace fom next, 5th of 16, 13l behind Sidbury Hill (10-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs.
The Pirate's Queen (IRE) 2-9fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway before 4 out, led 2 out, clear before last, readily, won at Doncaster 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Balmusette (10-12) by 8l, 8 ran.
Gold Chain (IRE) 9-4 (11-10) Held up in touch, outpaced before 5 out, headway before 3 out, kept on same pace in 3rd, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Ardnahoe (11-3) at Kelso 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) sft.
