tracked leader, going well, led on bit 2 out, soon clear, easily
mid-division, went 3rd 4th, weakened after 3 out, pulled up before next
mid-division, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on until no extra flat
mid-division, lost place 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
behind, headway 3 out, went 3rd next, kept on same pace, lost 3rd near finish
mid-division, weakened and pulled up before 3 out
mistake 5th, always behind, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders to 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten, eased flat
raced keenly and led, hit 3 out, soon ridden, headed next, one pace and jumped left last, no chance with winner
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure to go 3rd near finish, no impression with leaders
behind, headway 2 out, ridden and stayed on well flat, never nearer
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
Nonrunner
Ahmedy has easily the best form on offer here and John Quinn's gelding is taken to resume winning ways at the main expense of Pantherus and Dariak. The last mentioned has not had the best of luck since switched to hurdles and is probably a good deal better than he has shown so far but is hard to back with confidence at present. Psychic Star was a capable performer on the level when with Walter Swinburn but has yet to show a similar level of ability at the winter game, while Herninski has given little cause for optimism. It was a weak maiden hurdle that Olivair won here in November and a subsequent heavy defeat in a handicap suggests that he has plenty to find. Jonjo O'Neill's Pantherus ran better under similar conditions last time than on his hurdling debut and has to be considered but Ahmedy has solid claims and he gets the vote.
Ahmedy (IRE) 5-2fav (10-12) Held up toward rear, headway halfway, effort and chance between last two, one pace flat, 3rd of 12, 9l behind Idarah (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft.
Naughty Diesel 33-1 (10-7) Mid-division, lost place approaching 6th, soon ridden and weakened, 9th of 11, well behind Sharp Reply (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Feb.
Olivair (IRE) 18-1 (10-9) Led, headed 4th, soon behind, 18th of 19, well behind Shamrock Bay (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Mar.
Pantherus (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, ridden to chase leader after 3 out, no impression, 4th of 14, 15l behind French Opera (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Herninski 8-1 (9-8) Led until 2nd, weakened 6th, tailed off, 10th of 13, well behind Dance The Mambo (11-12) at Catterick 2m mrs hcp hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Misttori Belle 40-1 (10-0) Not jumped well, always rear, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Benetwood (11-6) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Psychic Star 6-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, soon beaten, 5th of 11, 42l behind Inch High (11-2) at Ayr 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Mar.
Dariak (FR) 8-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, went 3rd 3 out, saddle slipped and unseated rider in race won by Doctor David (10-9) at Fakenham 2m cnd mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
