led, hit 4th, not fluent 6th, joined 3 out, ridden next, soon under pressure, headed after last, no extra towards finish
chased leader, took close order 6th, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, some headway approaching 3 out
chased leaders, disputed lead from 3 out, ridden approaching next, led after last, stayed on well
in touch, weakened from 6th
held up mid-division, went 2nd at 4th, weakened from 6th
held up mid-division, weakened from 6th
always behind, hit 5th, soon struggling, pulled up before 3 out
Presque Perdre's jumping is not foot perfect and he is passed over in favour of DANCING DIK. This doesn't look a strong race but Dancing Dik comes here on the back of a battling performance at Wetherby where he beat Whispering Death. The first two were well clear and with his jockey claiming five he can win again. Presque Perdre's recent win came in a weak race at Sedgefield. One could argue that his trainer has found another good opportunity for him here but his penalty makes life tough, not to mention again his hurdling. From there it's a bit of a jump to Bardolet and Tipsy Dara. The latter is perhaps the more interesting of the pair as she is unexposed after just two bumper runs and if the market agrees then she could run well on her hurdling bow. Trappy but Dancing Dik is narrowly preferred.
Presque Perdre 4-7fav (11-1) With leader, led 6th, made rest, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf beating Barashi (11-0) by 11l, 11 ran.
Bardolet (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Always behind, 6th of 14, 45l behind Ikorodu Road (11-1) at Southwell 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd.
Classic Henri 100-1 (11-1) Held up, pushed along 3rd, reminders from 5th, soon struggling, 8th of 9, well behind Lord Larsson (11-1) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Dancing Dik 10-3 (10-2) In touch, ridden approaching 4 out, rallied approaching next, soon chasing leader, ran on to lead post, won at Wetherby 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd beating Whispering Death (11-2) by a ns, 13 ran.
Just Maddie 150-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, ridden 6f out, soon weakened, virtually pulled up, 13th of 14, well behind Premier Sagas (11-4) at Kelso 2m nhf (6) sft.
Lady Anne Nevill 100-1 (10-13) Mistake, always behind, tailed off 3 out, 12th of 14, well behind Calcutta Cup (11-6) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Silveretta 300-1 (10-8) Slowly away, always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Presque Perdre (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf, 11 ran.
Tipsy Dara (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) In touch, weakened over 5f out, 7th of 8, 25l behind Alvarado (10-10) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) gf.
Born To Frill 250-1 (10-3) Behind when hampered and brought down at the 2nd in race won by Smarties Party (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gd, 12 ran.
Gavroche Gaugain (FR) 100-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened approaching 3 out, 13th of 21, well behind Kangaroo Court (10-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.