DIRTY DEAL represents the Tony Carroll/Lee Edwards combination which is enjoying a good time of things at this venue this season and their improving mare certainly sets a good standard. She has progressed well to land two handicaps in the past month and in many ways it's somewhat surprising to see here dropped back into claiming company. None of her rivals have anything like that level of form in the book, although Now What was in the process of running a much-improved race last time when falling late on. She's A Tucker, stable companion of the selection, should be more at home in this grade than the contest in which she made her debut here behind Baby Shine, whilst Finch Flyer, albeit of limited ability, has done enough to make the shortlist in a modest affair.
Crete (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always in rear, tailed off when blundered 2 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Carrigmorna King (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
Green Lightning (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, not fluent 3rd, lost place approaching 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 16, well behind Tour D'argent (11-8) at Hereford 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Finch Flyer (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Keen hold tracking leader, effort after 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 21l behind Double Handful (11-1) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Jan.
Now What 40-1 (11-2) Held up, headway approaching 6th, disputing 4 lengths 3rd when fell last, in a race won by Fulgora (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) gs in Jan, 7 ran.
She's A Tucker 100-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, behind 4th, tailed off, 8th of 12, well behind Baby Shine (11-2) at Leicester 2m mares NH nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Dirty Deal 8-1 (11-10) Led into start, tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, every chance 3 out, 2nd and beaten when left in lead last, ridden out, won at Chepstow 2m Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-100) (4yo+) (5) hvy in Jan beating Abbi Jicaro (10-4) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Lady Bridget 28-1 (10-2) Chased leading pair, ridden and lost modest 3rd after 5th, plugged on flat, 5th of 6, 41l behind One Lucky Lady (10-5) at Folkestone 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
