held up in touch, pushed along and outpaced over 6f out, headway 2f out, plugged on final furlong
with leader, led over 5f out, clear over 2f out, readily
led, headed over 5f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression
tracked leaders, went 3rd over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up behind, outpaced over 4f out, plugged on over 2f out
in rear, went poor 4th over 2f out, never dangerous
Dr Hooves returned to action with a second at Musselburgh last month and should make a bold bid. But HITMAN FRED was clear of the rest including Dali Mail when runner-up over course and distance on his reappearance and Rose Dobbin’s charge gets the vote to go one better. He’s preferred to stablemate and newcomer Vintage Glen while Blaydon looks his trainer’s second choice behind Dr Hooves.
Blaydon (IRE) Milan gelding out of Pretty Impressive.
Dali Mail (FR) 11-1 (11-4) In touch, headway over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, one pace and no impression on front pair, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Highland Hunter (11-4) at Kelso 2m (5) hvy in Jan.
Dr Hooves (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Led2f, tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind I'm To Blame (11-11) at Musselburgh 2m (5) sft in Jan.
Hitman Fred (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway before 3f out, led over 2f out, kept on and caught post, 2nd of 7, hd behind Highland Hunter (11-4) at Kelso 2m (5) hvy in Jan.
Vintage Glen (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Held up, closed 8f out, lost place 4f out, weakened 3f out, last of 5, 30 3/4l behind Air Navigator (11-7) at Haydock 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Bell Ofthe Bongate (IRE) Sakhee filly out of Peace Lily.
Tupence Proclamation gelding out of Linns Heir.