made all, ridden and clear 2 out, stayed on well from last, always in control
mid-division, pushed along and weakened home turn
mid-division out wide, pushed along approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, pushed along and made no impression 3 out, fell last when in distant 5th
mid-division, struggling home turn, hampered and unseated rider after last
mid-division, headway under pressure 2 out, upsides for 2nd last, stayed on well flat, never on terms with winner
always towards rear, never involved
held up, pushed along off pace 3 out, plugged on for fifth
always towards rear, mistake 5th, never a factor
chased leader, pushed along and could not go pace of leader 3 out, weakened approaching last
mid-division, pushed along and weakened approaching 3 out
chased leader, pushed along and outpaced 3 out, not fluent last when pressed for 2nd, kept on same pace flat
This could well revolve around the return to action of Milans Edge, not seen for 630 days after looking a potentially useful hurdling recruit. The market may tell the story with him. However, BENASSI made a most pleasing hurdling debut on the second day of Wetherby's Christmas meeting and the former pointer looks the one to beat on that evidence. He must surely have more to offer with that initial experience under his belt. Mr Hailstone has a first start over hurdles and also for his new yard but is another with an absence of over 600 days to overcome. He's entitled to respect though, along with Iconic Rock, a good second in her sole point and now debuting for the Ralph team. Pedley Wood and Saturday Song need to improve but are in good hands and should be kept an eye on.
Benassi (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, stayed on well run-in, 3rd of 17, 3 1/2l behind Quick Sharpener (11-0) at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Finest Hour (FR) 20-1 (11-8) Never better than mid-division, 13th of 18, dist behind Celtic Art (11-8) at Wincanton 1m 7f mdn (4) gs in Jan.
General Hubble (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden and weakened 2 out, 9th of 13, 31l behind Gardener (11-0) at Leicester 2m (3) hvy in Dec.
Libor Lad 150-1 (11-4) Always in rear, never a factor, tailed off, 10th of 12, dist behind Holetown Hero (11-4) at Taunton 2m mdn (4) gd in Dec.
Mr Hailstone (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Chased leader, close up turning for home, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong but no match for winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/4l behind Largy Train (10-8) at Ayr 2m (5) sft in May.
Pedley Wood (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Midfield, pushed along 3 out, plugged on after last, made no impression, 5th of 11, 28 1/4l behind I Shut That D'or (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f (4) gs in Jan.
Saturday Song 17-2 (11-4) Not fluent, chased leaders, lost place 2nd, closed 3 out, mistake and weakened 3 out, 3rd of 7, 24 1/4l behind Zafar (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Via Dante (IRE) 50-1 (11-8) Raced keenly, off the pace and always behind, 8th of 9, 33 1/4l behind Afadil (10-9) at Taunton 2m mdn (4) sft in Jan.
Warner's Cross (IRE) 300-1 (11-2) In touch, pushed along 3 out, 10th of 14, dist behind Western Zephyr (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Dolly Bird 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, well beaten final 2f, 14th of 16, 35 1/4l behind Spring Note (11-0) at Warwick 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Gaye Legacy (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Keen raced wide, close up, ridden 2 out, weakened next, 6th of 14, 24 3/4l behind Deere Mark (11-0) at Hereford 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Iconic Rock (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Kept out wide chasing leaders, disputing well held 3rd when fell last, at Ffos Las 2m 4f (4) sft in Feb.
Milans Edge (IRE) 1-4fav (11-0) Led, ridden 3 lengths clear approaching last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Gentle Jolie (11-0) at Hexham 2m (4) sft in May.
Black Sam Vicki 50-1 (11-4) Rear of mid-division, ridden and well beaten after 6th, 9th of 12, dist behind Magical Maggie (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) gd in Oct.
