chased leader until 4th, went 2nd again 5th, led before 6th, clear 2 out, easily
held up, reminders after 5th, headway next, ridden after 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
held up, losing touch when mistake 5th, tailed off
raced keenly, led until approaching 6th, soon weakened, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th until 5th, chasing winner when mistake 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
Classic Fiddle is likely to be at short odds and Nicky Henderson's mare is hard to oppose in a race where the main threats look to be Gunnasayso and Misleain. The selection, a dual winning bumper, made a winning start to her hurdling career prior to disappointing when odds on at Chepstow subsequently. Although that run has to be of some concern, the opposition here does not look that strong and Nicky Henderson's mare is taken to resume winning ways. Freedom Flying is open to improvement after just three starts and Pat Haslam's filly gets all the allowances going so is of more interest than Don McCain's Just Smokie, who has been well held in both starts in bumpers. Gunnasayso has shown gradual improvement with each start and makes more appeal than Wetherby second Misleain but Classic Fiddle has solid claims and is hard to oppose.
Classic Fiddle 2-5fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader 3 out, soon held, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Gaspara (10-13) at Chepstow 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Gunnasayso 9-1 (10-9) With winner, ridden 5th, weakening before last, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Snow Patrol (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Just Smokie 7-1 (10-9) Prominent, led 7f out, headed after 5f out, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 31l behind Debauchery (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Misleain (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Led, ridden and headed last, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Tabora (11-7) at Wetherby 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Freedom Flying 10-1 (10-5) In touch, effort 3 out, kept on to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 17, 14l behind Dance The Mambo (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mrs mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
