close up in rear, ran in snatches, ridden and headway over 1f out, pressed winner and every chance inside final furlong, no extra close home
tracked leaders, pushed along and headway to press leaders over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, joined 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace
raced wide, tracked leader, joined leader 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, pressed inside final furlong, asserted close home
Russian Virtue has completed a double over hurdles since last seen on the Flat in October while First Snowfall has been raised 4lb for a recent victory over track and trip though was beaten less than a length here on Friday. But the Crisfords’ yard remains in top form and ROSA DEL RIO (NAP) will be sharper for a comeback run at Chelmsford behind higher rated horses than these with improvement expected now handicapping. Bay Dream Believer may prove best of the rest.
Rosa Del Rio (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) In rear, pushed along 2f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 5th of 7, 3l behind First Dynasty (9-4) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f stks (5) pol in Jan.
Bay Dream Believer (IRE) 40-1 (9-3) Always in rear and never a factor, 9th of 10, 9l behind War In Heaven (9-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Trailblazer 22-1 (11-3) Chased leader who went clear after about 3f, closed over 3f out, challenged over 2f out, 4th and beaten from over 1f out, 4th of 11, 4 1/4l behind Western Beat (10-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Russian Virtue 11-4fav (11-11) Held up in mid-division, headway when mistake 4th, went 2nd 3 out, 2 lengths down last, soon switched right, stayed on well, led towards finish, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (5) sft in Jan beating Bebside Banter (10-6) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Mudlahhim (IRE) 40-1 (9-13) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened thereafter, 10th of 12, 13 1/2l behind Zealot (10-6) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) pol in Dec.
First Snowfall 7-2jfav (9-1) Held up in touch, switched right and closed over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1/2l behind Calcutta Dream (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Jan.