went right slightly hampered and tracked leader 1st, upsides and pecked 3 out, led before last, stayed on well run-in, won with a bit in hand
went left and lost place 1st, last of four, closer in 3rd at 12th, pushed along and one pace from 4 out, hit 2 out, no chance with leading duo
led, reached for 14th, went left from 4 out, soon ridden, headed before last, stayed on same pace run-in
tracked leading pair 1st, dropped last of four at 12th, outpaced before 4 out, plugged on again after the last
ASCOT DE BRUYERE has won half of his eight races around here including a Class 4 handicap by 18 lengths in November. He ran poorly on a return visit a month ago but that wasn't his form and he can continue his successful association with the track. Rock On Fruity has won eight times under Rules including twice over hurdles at Kelso over the winter. He returned to chasing with a fair run at Sedgefield three weeks ago and is an obvious threat. Knockoura went up a massive 13lb for an easy victory at Ayr in November but then won a better race at Bangor before a good run over 2m4f here in December. He may just find the ground too quick but prolific point-to-point winner Buck Dancing has done better on quick going.
Rock On Fruity (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Just worse than mid-division, niggled along and headway before 3 out, briefly challenged 2 out, soon weakened before last, 4th of 8, 4l behind Silva Eclipse (11-7) at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Knockoura (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, hit 9th and given reminder, not fluent 4 out, pushed along and outpaced after next, weakened after 2 out, beaten when mistake last, 5th of 7, 24 3/4l behind Court Master (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (3) gd in Mar.
Ascot De Bruyere (FR) 9-2 (11-3) Chased leader, close up 4th, reminders and lost place after 7th, in rear 8th, detached 9th, ridden when mistake 11th, tailed off before 12th, pulled up before 4 out, at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Buck Dancing (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, last 5f out, ridden over 3f out, one pace from over 2f out, 8th of 11, 14 1/2l behind Who's My Jockey (11-4) at Newcastle 2m 4f (4) pol in Feb.
