tracked leaders, took keen hold, effort 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, under pressure after 4 out, soon rallied, ridden to challenge 2 out, ran on after last, no chance with winner
led, challenged when hit 2 out, soon headed, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, led after 2 out, stayed on well
in touch, not fluent 2nd, pushed along 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up 2 out
SHE RANKS ME won a mares' Listed hurdle here last season and will be all the better for her run at Taunton, where she was never on the bridle over a shorter trip. Donald McCain's mare is the selection as Art Professor returns from a lengthy break. Special Catch has claims on his third to More Of That over course and distance four weeks ago but Morning Royalty has struggled in this grade in the past.
She Ranks Me (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) In rear and pushed along, headway before 2 out, soon ridden to chase winner, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Pass The Time (10-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mares hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Nov.
Art Professor (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, mistake and reminder 3rd, headway after 6th, no impression before 3 out, last of 20, well behind Battle Group (11-9) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) gd in May.
Morning Royalty (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Led until 2 out, weakened before last, last of 5, 10l behind Rolling Star (11-6) at Haydock 2m hdl (2) sft in Nov.
Special Catch (IRE) 8-1 (10-4) Chased leader, every chance from 2 out, kept on same pace closing stages, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind More Of That (11-2) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Nov.
Storm Brig 5-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, not much room 10th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Rival D'Estruval (10-0) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl (2) gd in Oct '11, 14 ran.
Puffin Billy (IRE) 5-2fav (11-10) Pressed winner, challenged on wide outside and hit 3 out, soon ridden and weakened before next, mistake last, 5th of 8, 14l behind Ifandbutwhynot (10-11) at Newbury 2m Lstd hcp hdl 0-155 (1) gs in Nov.