with leaders, challenged 3 out, led after last, headed run-in, weakened last 100 yards
always towards rear, in 7th and well held when blundered badly and unseated rider 2 out
held up towards rear, weakened before 11th, hampered 2 out
behind when fell 1st
with leaders, led 7th, headed after last, soon weakened
mid-division, headway from 4 out, challenged last, led run-in, stayed on strongly
led, blundered 6th, headed 7th, lost place from 6 out
prominent, lost place from 10th, kept on from 2 out
held up mid-division, went 3rd before 3 out, every chance last, went 2nd last 100 yards, no chance with winner
in rear, headway from 3 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace
PREMIER SAGAS was taken off his feet in a fast-run race over 2m4f at Musselburgh on New Year's Day but stayed on strongly in the closing stages and looks as though his turn is near. He'd earlier finished ahead of Tartan Snow over this C&D and should confirm the form, despite slightly worse terms. The top weight gets the nod despite the fact that John Wade holds a strong hand with consistent pair Beneficial Reform and Vosges. The latter may be the pick of those today in first-time blinkers. Circus Clown deserves a change of luck and has a good amateur in the saddle, while Riguez Dancer has claims on his best form and it would be no surprise to see Tyrone House bounce back after unseating Brian Hughes at Newcastle last month.
Premier Sagas (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, lost place and reminder 8th, outpaced 12th, headway to chase leading pair 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd final 100 yards, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Fiendish Flame (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gd in Jan.
Riguez Dancer 28-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, slow 3rd, headway2 out, never nearer, 6th of 15, 17l behind Calgary Bay (11-11) at Doncaster 3m Listed Handicap Chase (0-155) (5yo+) (1) gs in Jan.
Tyrone House (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, weakening when unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Morgan Be (11-2) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Jan, 11 ran.
Beneficial Reform (IRE) 5-2fav (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 4 out, ridden between last hard pressed last, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Air Force One (11-12) at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec.
Vosges (FR) 15-8 (10-11) Tracked winner, ridden and no impression from 3 out, 2nd of 5, 13l behind Chester Lad (11-0) at Newcastle 2m beg chase (5) sft in Jan.
Tartan Snow 9-2 (9-8) Tracked leaders, mistake 9th, went 2nd 11th until mistake 4 out, weakened from next, 5th of 7, 30l behind Tamarinbleu (11-12) at Haydock 2m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec.
Or de Grugy (FR) 20-1 (11-2) Prominent, weakened before 11th, 9th of 10, well behind Everaard (10-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jan.
More Equity 16-1 (9-7) Led until 3rd, handy until after 7th, weakened before next, 9th of 11, 22l behind Everaard (10-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs.
Circus Clown (IRE) 3-1fav (11-4) Held up mid-division, soon tracked leaders in 3rd, joined leader 4 out, ridden and outpaced 3 out, left 2nd last, one pace, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Nelson du Ronceray (10-7) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
Badger Foot (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, in rear from 5th, outpaced 11th, went poor 4th 3 out, plugged on, 4th of 10, 27l behind Overlady (10-8) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
