chased clear pair, left 2nd 4th, riddent to lead 3 out, hit last, headed and weakened flat
disputed lead last, led after, clear 3rd, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened next
held up mid-division, headway 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
disputed lead 1st, chased leader after, ran out 4th
held up mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, hedway next, ran on close home
held up, effort 3 out, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened and pulled up before 2 out
in rear, pushed along 4 out, tailed off next, pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, tailed off from 3 out, pulled up before next
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, led flat, kept on, ridden out
There are not many you can make a case out for here and this should largely concern last-time winners Mr Micky and Lady Lap Dancer. The former showed bits of promise before a hard fought heavy ground success at Wetherby in November. It remains to be seen how he fares after a break, though the yard have been doing well and a follow-up is not out of the question. However, he now has to shoulder 12st and therefore preference is for Lady Lap Dancer. The Mary Reveley-trained mare was plating class on the level and looks like that is where she will remain over hurdles. However, take nothing away from her six length success at Kelso last time, when she responded well to some strong driving in the soft ground. With a 13lb pull from the top weight she can follow up here. Of the remainder, Dark Society looks booked for a place if he can shake off a nine month lay-off. The five-year-old has shown some of his best form with cut in the ground and if he is straight enough then he can pick up some prize money, while Max's Micro is also in with a shout of making the frame.
