prominent, ridden to challenge 3 out, weakened next
detached in rear, never jumped well, some headway after 4 out, weakened after next, tailed off
held up, headway 5 out, chased leaders 3 out, led before next, drew clear last, easily
tracked leader, under pressure approaching 4 out, soon lost place, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, mistake 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
led, headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, went 2nd before 6 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, not pace of winner
Ebony Rose was successful over 3m at Carlisle when last in action over a year ago but is 5lb higher on her return. Rivabodiva also won over a longer trip at Hexham in October but struggled in better company on her latest start. ETERNALLY YOURS (NAP) made a winning debut over course and distance back in April and returned to action with a fine effort in a handicap at Ayr when beaten only a neck. Further progress is expected here and Donald Whillans’ mare can go one better. Dark Sunset is not badly treated on earlier winning form but Rubytwo is the least exposed of the remainder as she goes handicapping for the first time.
Rivabodiva (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Chased leaders to before 5 out, weakened next, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Top Billing (10-0) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Ebony Rose 10-1 (10-10) In rear, headway before 3 out, led and edged left run-in, kept on, won at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (2) sft in Dec beating Native Optimist (10-9) by 3l, 10 ran.
Eternally Yours 18-1 (11-3) Behind, headway approaching 3 out, every chance approaching last and throughout closing stages, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 12, nk behind Bon Chic (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Dark Sunset (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Mid-division, lost place after 6th, soon behind, tailed off, 8th of 10, dist behind Hidden Dilemma (10-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Shine Baby Shine 40-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, hampered 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 16 1/4l behind Chieftain's Choice (11-1) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (3) gf in Dec.
Beyondtemptation 22-1 (11-9) Led, keen and soon clear, headed after 2 out, weakened quickly, pulled up before last, at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Rubytwo 2-5fav (10-12) Chased leading pair, ridden and no impression between last 2, 4th of 6, 12 1/4l behind Archview Sunshine (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 5f mdn (5) gd in Nov.
