jumped slightly right, led, joined 3 out, driven approaching 2 out, headed last, stayed on
held up, went 3rd 11th, went 2nd still travelling best 2 out, ridden to lead last, driven out
chased leader after 2nd until bad mistake 5th, last from 11th, mistake next, soon behind
chased leader until after 2nd, went 2nd again 5th, ridden after 4 out, driven and every chance 3 out, 3rd and held when mistake 2 out, soon weakened
Northern Beau, a winner at Cheltenham in December 2019, has generally been performing in better company and ran well over hurdles at Newcastle last time. Danse Idol was fortunate to be left in second at Ludlow but had the remainder in another parish and is on the same mark. BLACK TULIP went up 5lb for scoring at this level at Uttoxeter and produced a fine effort in a Class 3 at Cheltenham when runner-up to Madeira Mist, who was receiving 20lb. That should be good enough as Nightfly, who won three times as a novice, hasn't done as well as expected.
Northern Beau (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Led until before 3rd, soon led again, headed approaching 3 out, outpaced 2 out, kept on flat, 3rd of 6, 4 3/4l behind Hooligan (11-3) at Newcastle 2m hcp (2) sft in Feb.
Danse Idol (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along before 4 out, no impression 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3 3/4l behind Lust For Glory (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 4f (3) sft in Feb.
Black Tulip 7-1 (11-6) Led, clear at times, mistake 9th (water), not fluent 3 out, headed before 2 out, rallied into 2nd flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 11, 5 1/2l behind Madera Mist (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Nightfly 6-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, driven over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 12, 10 1/4l behind Good Bye (11-4) at Lingfield 2m (5) pol in Feb.
