held up in close 3rd, pushed along after 4 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on to press for 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
made all, 1 length ahead 2 out, ridden before last, in command last, edged right and driven clear run-in
held up, mistake and unseated rider 1st
chased winner throughout, pushed along before 3 out, shaken up and 1 length down 2 out, no extra last, held on for 2nd
NonRunner
It’s a very long time since SKY KHAN got his head in front but perhaps his luck will change here. The handicapper rarely grants him any favours but he has placed twice in higher grades over the last 12 months and Always Lion hasn’t raced over hurdles since 2015. Ballynanty was raised 7lb after winning over course and distance last month but is an obvious danger while Buckled is another who goes well around here. Tawseef is still paying the price for last season’s exploits.
Sky Khan 4-1 (11-5) Held up in touch on inside, outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied after next, stayed on into 2nd after last, not pace to challenge, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Mahlervous (11-0) at Kelso 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Jan.
Always Lion (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Held up in touch, mistake 10th, went 2nd after next, hard driven approaching 4 out, weakened before 2 out, remote 4th, last of 4, 23 1/4l behind Elmono (11-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Jan.
Ballynanty (IRE) 3-1jfav (10-9) Held up in rear, not fluent 9th, headway 2 out, chased leader when hit last, led flat, ridden and ran on, comfortable, won at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Jan beating Rainy City (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Buckled 4-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, under pressure after 4th, soon pulled up after next, at Musselburgh 3m hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Tawseef (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Chased leaders to before 4 out, soon behind, tailed off, 10th of 12, dist behind Ballyandy (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Jan.
