led until after 1st, remained prominent, effort 2 out, kept on under pressure, no chance with winner
led after 1st, jumped left throughout, hung badly left when blundered 2 out, drew clear last, easily
held up in touch, under pressure 3 out, rallied after next, stayed on into 3rd closing stages, never a threat
held up in touch, headway when not fluent 4 out, outpaced after 2 out, no extra closing stages
tracked leaders, lost place 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
This looks a decent maiden for the track. Calliope went close on the Flat at Hamilton in September but Dark Ruler has looked a shadow of his former self since returning to action. Heartasia was placed in all three starts over hurdles last season and, like I’M TO BLAME and Theatre Legend, has won bumpers but Keith Dalgleish’s runner, brother to a winning hurdler in Ireland and by a sire that’s renowned for producing smart jumpers, can extend his unbeaten record. Theatre Legend looks the danger if taking to hurdles ahead of Bangor fifth Stormy Blues and winning pointer Chosen Flame.
Dark Ruler (IRE) 66-1 (9-5) In touch on outside, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 16 1/4l behind Daawy (10-4) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp (5) gs in Sep.
I'm To Blame (IRE) Evensfav (11-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, led 2f out, ridden and hung left inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish, won at Musselburgh 2m (5) sft in Jan beating Dr Hooves (11-4) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Calliope 11-2 (9-0) Towards rear, effort over 1f out, no impression, 9th of 15, 7 1/2l behind Morning Skye (9-9) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Heartasia (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway 2 out, chased winner before last, no impression, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Lord County (10-12) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Stormy Blues 33-1 (10-13) Held up in mid-division, outpaced 5th, plugged on to dispute modest 4th 2 out, 5th of 8, 19l behind Full Bore (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f mdn (5) gd in Aug.
Chosen Flame (IRE) 13-8 (12-2) Tr ldr in 2nd, left in front bef 2out, trav well apr str, in command jumping last, kow, won at Loughrea 3m mdn gs in May beating Family Man (12-2) by 3l, 5 ran.
Theatre Legend 100-1 (11-4) Raced keenly in mid-division, short of room 4f out, outpaced over 3f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong, 16th of 20, dist behind Portrush Ted (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f (1) sft in Apr.
