tracked winner throughout, driven before 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, well held between last 2
tracked rival pair throughout, outpaced before 2 out, soon well held, no chance after
raced keenly, made all, pushed clear from 2 out, stayed on well, easily
William Of Orange was a lucky winner at Catterick last month as he was left in front when the clear leader fell at the last. Taking into account Bridget Andrews' claim, he has to give the mare YES I DID 12lb here which may prove beyond him. Dan Skelton's raider made a winning start over timber at Southwell in November before finding Listed company too hot to handle at Haydock and should find this more to her liking. Trans Express and Nine Altars would need something to happen to the market leaders to have any chance.
William Of Orange 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden and no impression with winner after next, 12 lengths down when left clear last, stayed on well flat, won at Catterick 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Un Prophete (11-5) by 11l, 13 ran.
Nine Altars (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, last of 7, dist behind Three Ways (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f (6) hvy in Nov.
Yes I Did (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Held up in rear but in touch, headway 4 out, weakened after next, 3rd of 6, 24l behind Smart Talk (11-0) at Haydock 2m 3f lst (1) hvy in Dec.
Trans Express (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Behind, headway from 2 out, never a threat, 5th of 13, 32l behind Gala Ball (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Jan.