tracked leaders, not fluent 2 out, challenged last, led narrowly on extended run-in, headed towards finish
close up in 2nd or 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, one pace and held by leaders on extended run-in, weakened final 250 yards
led until after 3rd, close up in 2nd or 3rd after, jumped slowly 6th, ridden 4 out, led 2 out, headed on extended run-in, stayed on, held close home
with leader, led after 3rd, headed 2 out, stayed close up, strong challenge on extended run-in, led towards finish
held up in touch in last, not fluent 7th, outpaced after 4 out, weakened 2 out
Nonrunner
Not A Bother Boy's winning run came to an end when second at Market Rasen last time and has been raised a further 4lb. Total Assets and Askamore Darsi won their latest starts at Kelso and Doncaster respectively and both have been upped 5lb. Cyclop suffered a massive 17lb rise after scoring at Warwick and was well beaten last time but RACING EUROPE remains on the same mark after placing at Catterick. The latter was no match for the progressive Hester Flemen but Brian Ellison's charge should find this an easier task.
Racing Europe (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Tracked winner throughout, not fluent 7th, driven after 4 out, ridden and held after next, kept on same pace in clear 2nd before last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Hester Flemen (10-8) at Catterick 3m 1f (3) sft in Dec.
Cyclop (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Mid-division but in touch, not fluent 10th, chasing leaders when mistake and lost place 16th, kept on approaching last, never a threat, 4th of 8, 23l behind Rigadin De Beauchene (10-11) at Haydock 3m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Not A Bother Boy (IRE) 9-2fav (11-4) Chased leaders, mistake 12th, effort after 4 out, every chance next, kept on well under pressure, 2nd of 12, 6l behind West Of The Edge (10-0) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Askamore Darsi (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, led 2nd, headed 4 out, ridden before last, kept on and led close home, won at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Lovely Job (11-8) by hd, 9 ran.
Lucematic 40-1 (10-3) Held up in touch, tracked leaders 14th, effort 3 out, soon chased front pair, ridden and one pace between last 2, stayed on well towards finish, just held, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Smooth Stepper (11-1) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Total Assets 4-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led just after 3 out, soon hard pressed, held on gamely, all out, won at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Present Flight (11-9) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
