with leader, led after 4 out, headed 2 out, no impression on winner and lost 2nd flat
led, headed after 4 out, not fluent 3 out, led 2 out, not fluent last, clear flat, stayed on
chased leaders, went 2nd flat, kept on, no impression on winner
jumped left at times, always last, lost touch before 3 out
tracked leaders, took keen hold, outpaced 3 out, weakened from next
Chti Balko won on this card 12 months ago and usually runs his race. He’s unlikely to be far away again while Better Getalong did well in his first season over hurdles and there should be more to come, though he has an absence to overcome. Seemorelights and Spirit Of Kayf haven’t raced for almost two years and it will be a surprise if either can make an impression on the other three. BALLYMOY was only fourth off this mark at Newbury when seeking a five-timer but this is much less competitive and Nigel Twiston-Davioes’ runner can get back to winning ways.
Chti Balko (FR) 17-2 (11-8) Always prominent, led after 4 out, hard driven when challenged last, headed and no extra towards finish, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Black Mischief (11-0) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Ballymoy (IRE) 10-3fav (11-6) Held up off the pace in 4th place, hit 3rd, challenging for 2nd when hit 2 out, soon ridden and weakened between last 2, 4th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Global Citizen (11-10) at Newbury 2m hcp lst (1) sft in Dec.
Better Getalong (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, not fluent 6th, well beaten after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 2m 4f (1) sft in Apr.
Spirit Of Kayf 2-1 (11-3) In rear and in touch, chased leader from 7th, ridden to lead before last, kept on well, won at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov beating Get On The Yager (11-3) by 4 1/2l, 4 ran.
Seemorelights (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) In rear and in touch, headway before 9th, went 2nd before 3 out, led 3 out, soon headed, no extra and lost 2nd place run-in, 3rd of 4, 11 3/4l behind De Vous A Moi (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 6f (3) hvy in Feb.
