held up in touch, headway from after 3 out to lead approaching 2 out, soon ridden and headed approaching last, one pace run-in
held up in touch, smooth headway from approaching 2 out to lead approaching last, driven out run-in
prominent until ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
held up in touch, lost place after 3 out, soon beaten
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, 3rd and weakening when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
tracked leaders, close up 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
Nonrunner
A three mile lady riders handicap hurdle gets proceedings underway where the booking of the capable Jackie Kidd on board Seize appears significant and we take him to see off Star Fever and Millie The Filly. Ferdy Murphy's gelding appeared to appreciate a sizeable step up in trip last time out when going under by a neck in a similar contest. If a similar performance is displayed on this occasion, Seize has to be rated as one of the principals. Others of particular note include Star Fever and Millie The Filly. Star Fever has been contesting novice chases on his most recent starts. While the change to the larger obstacles failed to yield victory, the Nicky Richards-trained gelding did taste success on his most recent outing over the smaller obstacles, with today's rider aboard. It is worth noting the blinkers are applied for the first time. Millie The Filly is a mare that has shown an improved level of form in recent outings. Although well beaten last time out, when favourite to supplement a comprehensive victory on her penultimate start, Millie The Filly has to be respected off her feather weight. Jockeyship will certainly not be lacking where Rightful Ruler is concerned as Nina Carberry is booked to ride. However, this gelding will have to step up considerably on most recent efforts if he is to prevail. Seize is given the nod over Star Fever.
Seize 16-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, steady headway approaching 3 out, every chance after last, held towards finish, 2nd of 13, nk behind Willie The Fish (10-12) at Catterick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Dec.
Rightful Ruler 33-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, weakened after 4 out, 6th of 11, 40l behind Caipiroska (10-8) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Star Fever (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Always behind, weakened from 11th, 5th of 7, 44l behind Lost In Normandy (9-12) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Nov.
Humourous (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Disputed lead until 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 21l behind Anchors Away (10-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Dec.
Buckstruther (IRE) 22-1 (10-2) Led to 4th, led again 6th, headed approaching 2 out, kept on, 4th of 14, 3l behind Smart Man (10-0) at Catterick 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Dec.
Millie The Filly 6-5fav (9-10) Led, hit 6th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 8, 20l behind Roschal (11-4) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Indonesia 13-2 (10-12) Held up, in touch until weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 13l behind Watch My Back (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gf in Dec.
