mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
raced keen tracking leader, ridden and led over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, still every chance inside final furlong, not quicken close home
tracked leaders until lost place from halfway
in touch, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, no danger soon after
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, led well over 1f out, driven out
always towards rear, hung badly right over 3f out
Red Delirium, a winner of sellers at this course in each of his last two starts, is bound to be popular with backers to complete a quick hat-trick of victories in the grade and, while the seven-year-old has to be respected, there are a couple of interesting opponents who bear close inspection. Karl Burke's Lady Birgitta is well treated on official BHB ratings and has to be respected dropped into this grade but the selection is Two Steps To Go. David Barron's gelding does not have obvious claims on his most recent form which has been on turf but the son of Rhythm is much better on the all-weather and, if fit enough after a four month break, will take plenty of beating. Of the others only Pat Haslam's Maunby Roller, a good second to Weetman's Weigh here on New Year's Day really warrants a mention. He has claims off a lightweight 8st 9lbs but the Barron horse should take all the beating.