held up mid-division, headway 6th, every chance 2 out, ridden and effort approaching last, kept on flat
held up in touch, headway 6th to chase leaders, effort when hampered 2 out, soon beaten
towards rear, brief effort after 6th, soon weakened
made most until approaching 5th, ridden and weakened after next
held up in rear, good headway to track laders after 6th, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway to lead 2 out, mistake when headed last, one paced flat
with leader, led approaching 5th, headed 2 out, driven to lead last, strayed on strongly
tracked leaders, reminder after 4th, ridden approaching 6th, soon weakened
Not much strength in depth to this opening contest and it is hard to look beyond Ask Me What and Witch's Brew, who are set to dominate the market. The latter confirmed previous promise in ordinary company when lifting a modest handicap at Catterick late last month. The daughter of Simply Great has yet to race beyond two miles over hurdles but shapes as though the step up in trip will suit. Tim Easterby's charge looks sure to give another good account but may have to settle for minor honours behind Ask Me What. The Venetia Williams-trained mare ran well on her hurdling debut at Chepstow before recording an easy success at Bangor last time and looks capable of further progress so looks the one to beat. Toulon Rouge showed improvement on previous efforts when last seen in action here in January and is preferred over Bella Mary, who disappointed last time, as best of the remainder.
