raced keenly, made virtually all, joined and hit 3 out, ridden and in command between last 2, hit last, kept on well and came clear flat
raced wide, chased leading duo, went 2nd 4th, upsides from next, hit 4 out, challenged 3 out, ridden and found nil between last 2, well beaten when lost 2nd close home
took keen hold, held up behind leaders, disputing 3rd from 6th, definite 3rd and every chance before 3 out, ridden and hit 2 out, went modest 2nd close home, no chance with winner
slow 1st, chased winner until 4th, disputing 3rd from 6th, pushed along and outpaced in 4th when hit 3 out, soon beaten
Font would win this in a canter if at his best but this is his first start over the smaller obstacles since April 2009 and recent efforts over fences have left a lot to be desired. At the likely odds, the eight-year-old may be worth taking on with DIKTALINA. Alison Thorpe's mare has hardly been in peak form herself but wasn't disgraced when fifth in a handicap at Leicester on her latest start and there's a good chance she'll get her own way out in front today. The other pair have a lot to find at the weights but Abstract Art did finish second in a seller over C&D last month before unseating his rider at the first at Taunton just under two weeks ago.
Abstract Art (USA) 4-1 (11-6) In lead when blundered and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Chrysander (11-6) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) gd, 9 ran.
Font 7-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, weakening when blundered 5 out, 6th of 7, well behind Sagalyrique (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Jan.
Diktalina 18-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, ridden 7th, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 15, 30l behind Najca De Thaix (11-7) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Steely Bird 150-1 (10-9) Mid-division, dropped to rear and struggling after 4th, tailed off, 11th of 13, 42l behind Chrysander (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) gs in Jan.
