led to 5th, led 9th to 12th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
in touch, chased leader briefly before 3 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
held up in last, mistake 1st, not fluent 7th, hit 9th, mistake next, headway 3 out, chased winner and mistake 2 out, every chance last, hung left flat, no extra
chased leaders, jumped slowly 2nd, led after 3 out, edged left flat, ridden clear
soon prominent, pecked 8th, led 4 out, ridden and headed after 3 out, edged left after 2 out, weakened flat
prominent, led 5th to 9th, led 12th until mistake 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, eased flat, tailed off
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
DEVILS CREEK ran a promising enough race on his handicap debut last time to suggest a victory is in the offing but this is again competitive and Potts Of Magic and It's A Classic should be close. The switch from novice and maiden company seemed to work the oracle for the pick who put in a much improved effort last time. Carrying just a pound more this time this unexposed nine-year-old can improve again and score. Potts Of Magic has had several near misses off this and similar marks recently but what looked strong form from his last race has failed to work out. That said a similar display to that last outing will have him close. It's A Classic will have 10lbs on the selection and has a mixed bag of results with two failed completions sandwiched between a couple of decent runners up spots. He's yet to win off a mark this high but should challenge on these terms. Bermuda Pointe is probably just within the grasp of the assessor at present while Tacinja looks a winner in waiting once the handicapper grants a reprieve so with all that in mind Devil's Creek has the nod.
Dunbrody Millar (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Took keen hold, led to 15th, weakened when mistake next, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Surface To Air (11-5) at Uttoxeter 4m lst hcp chs (1) gd in Jun, 16 ran.
Baren De Doc (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Held up, closer order 6, jumped left, weakened 10th, last of 5, 33l behind Soixante (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (3) sft in Feb.
Bermuda Pointe (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Soon prominent, hit 10th, ridden after 4 out, weakened after 3 out, mistake last, 3rd of 11, 17l behind Charming Oscar (10-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Potts of Magic 5-1 (10-3) In touch, mistake 10th and 14th, tracked leading pair from 4 out and no impression, 3rd of 11, 14l behind Pretty Star (11-0) at Ludlow 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Bali Bay (NZ) 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, weakened 11th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Dream Falcon (9-12) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Nous Voila (FR) 11-1 (11-10) Always behind, 9th of 10, well behind Valentia Island (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Feb.
Devil's Creek (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Towards rear, headway 6th, led 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, not quicken, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Tarateeno (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Feb.
Tacinja (GER) 14-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 4 out, challenged 2 out, no extra from last, 3rd of 6, 5l behind Rate of Knots (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 5f mrs nov chs (4) hvy.
Its A Classic 12-1 (11-12) Mid-division, led 9th, hard driven 2 out, headed and no extra near line, 2nd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Mitchel Henry (11-9) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb.
