tracked leaders, hit 4th, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last, soon eased
held up mid-division, chased leaders 5 out, went 4th before 2 out, ridden before last, kept on
in rear, pushed along after 5th, reminders before 6th, soon tailed off, pulled up
held up towards rear, pushed along before 5 out, soon weakened, tailed off
tracked leaders, outpaced from 3 out and lost place, headway before last, soon chased winner, kept on well
mid-division, went 3rd from 5th, chased winner from 5 out, ridden before 2 out, one pace
held up towards rear, headway before 5 out to chase leaders, weakened 3 out, tailed off
made all, soon clear until before 5 out, ridden and soon pressed, drew clear again before 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on gamely, driven out towards finish
CHIBERTA KING, a genuine Listed class performer on the Flat, took a couple of races to warm up over hurdles but there was plenty to like about his victory over Uxizandre in what looked a strong Newbury maiden and he can complete the double. The runner-up had earlier beaten Drum Valley, also at Newbury, so the selection looks to hold the advantage here. Winning bumper Salamanzar put a moderate debut run behind with a much better effort when runner-up to Superior Quality over today's track and trip. He's going the right way and can provide the main threat to the principals with his maiden allowance.
Chiberta King 8-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, not fluent 3rd or 6th, led 3 out, clear when jumped left and not fluent last, ridden out, won at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Uxizandre (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 12 ran.
Drum Valley 14-1 (11-5) Held up, stayed on from 2 out, still only 5th and plenty to do when not fluent last, strong run flat to take 2nd close home, finished well but no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Uxizandre (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft in Dec.
Accordion Exhibit (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, tailed off before 4 out, pulled up, in a race won by Up And Go (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) sft in Jan, 17 ran.
Atriptomilan (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Chased leader, dived at 2nd, lost 2nd 8th, weakened before next, soon eased, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Cloudy Copper (11-8) at Kempton 3m nh nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Ballylifen (IRE) 10-3 (10-5) Pressed winner, not fluent 12th, still 2nd when pulled up before next, in a race won by Opening Batsman (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 5f Novice Handicap Chase (0-140) (5yo+) (3) sft in Jan, 5 ran.
Salmanazar 2-1 (11-0) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, headway next, ridden before 3 out, chased winner before next, stayed on same pace, no impression, 2nd of 18, 5l behind Superior Quality (11-0) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Sergeant Dick (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, 5th of 6, 17l behind Ballytober (11-0) at Ascot 2m 6f NH mdn hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Westward Point 5-4 (11-0) Raced keenly, jumped left, led and soon clear until after 3rd, joined 2 out, headed on long run to last, soon no extra in 3rd, eased, 3rd of 7, 25l behind More Of That (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec.
