led until after 2nd, prominent, led again after 3 out, soon edged right and headed, well held from 2 out, left 3rd last
prominent, led after 2nd, edged right and headed after 3 out, well held from next, 3rd when fell last
chased leaders, challenged after 3 out, soon led, ridden and headed after 2 out, no impression flat, stayed on same pace
chased leaders on outside, lost place after 5th, not fluent and struggling 3 out
raced in 5th, closed 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, edged right and led after hurdle, clear flat, stayed on well
raced in last, closed 3 out, shaken up and no impression before next, left 4th last
Debdebdeb, a four-times winner on the Flat, was only beaten a length on her hurdling debut and duly went one better at Newcastle next time. She's entitled to respect but probably hasn't been done any favours by the handicapper. Ayr fourth Sultana Belle has a poor strike-rate and Nautical Twilight has disappointed since winning over course and distance in December, though is closely matched with recent course winner Sparkling Hand on past form. SAMEDI SOIR makes her handicap debut after just two runs over hurdles and can take advantage of her low weight in an open-looking heat.
Debdebdeb 5-2 (10-12) Made all, clear, after 2 out, soon ridden, just held on near finish, won at Catterick 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Mar beating Allez Encore (11-7) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Be My Present 11-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 20l behind Quiet Candid (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Mar.
Sultana Belle (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, kept on from last, no impression, 4th of 7, 12l behind Minella Fiveo (10-13) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Mar.
Nautical Twilight 7-2fav (10-13) In touch in 4th, headway before 4 out, weakened before last, 4th of 9, 25l behind Beyondtemptation (9-11) at Hexham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Mar.
Sparkling Hand 4-1 (10-6) In touch, ridden to lead before last, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Mar beating Whatdoesthefoxsay (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Samedi Soir 3-1 (11-0) Led, blundered and headed 5 out, weakened before 3 out, 4th of 8, 19l behind Kashstaree (10-3) at Musselburgh 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Morning With Ivan (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner before 4 out, ridden before last, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Beyondtemptation (9-11) at Hexham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Mar.
