took keen hold, led, 2 lengths ahead 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed last, soon beaten
pressed leader, not fluent 9th or 10th, ridden approaching 4 out, 2 lengths down 3 out, rallied to lead last, stayed on
Nonrunner
City Theatre has proved disappointing so far over fences but should improve now tackling handicap company as he had a much higher rating over hurdles. Persian gates won at Market Rasen in November and chased home Mister Wiseman at the same track on his latest start off a 5lb higher mark. Back over his optimum trip, Chris Bealby's charge is entitled to go close in first-time blinkers but we'll stick with the proven C&D winner OURS. Mark Rimell's nine-year-old did well to beat subsequent winner Rileyev over 2m at Hereford last month and is still on a decent mark if back to his best.
Persian Gates (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Raced in mid-division, staedy headway after 7th, went 3rd at 9th, stayed on from last to modest 2nd close home, never any chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Mister Wiseman (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Feb.
Ours (FR) 7-2 (11-9) Tracked leader, led last, driven and 1/2 length up 100 yards from finish, all out, won at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Feb beating Rileyev (10-13) by shd, 6 ran.
City Theatre (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, led after 7th, headed 9th, demoted to 4th when mistake 12th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 4th of 5, 50l behind Pearlysteps (10-7) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chase (4) sft in Jan.
