chased leaders, went second after 6th, not fluent next, good jump to dispute lead 8th, headed next, pushed along approaching 3 out, ridden before next, led 2 out, headed last, stayed on well to lead flat, asserted final 50yds
close up, not fluent and lost second 6th, niggled along when not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, faded 2 out
in touch, slow 1st, mistake 7th, hit 9th, weakened 3 out
in touch on outer, not fluent 3rd, dropped to rear 6th, nudged along 8th, slow next, ridden 3 out, headway approaching next, plugged on one pace from 2 out
led at steady tempo, increased pace before 7th, joined 8th, led again next, pushed along 3 out, ridden before 2 out, mistake and headed 2 out, hung left but rallied well to lead again last, headed flat, kept on well
in rear, headway into midfield 6th, nudged along before 8th where not fluent, mistake next, soon pushed along, pecked 3 out, kept on to go third before last
CITY CHIEF won over a furlong further at Hereford when landing the odds in a maiden race. Further progress is expected now handicapping and the Henderson yard remains in fine form. Shearer won a handicap at Newbury by a neck last month and is raised 7lb as he steps up in trip while Donna's Double won a novices' race at Newcastle before finding Hidden Heroics too good at the same track and the latter is preferred once again. Southwell winner Starlyte will find this tougher and Half Track makes more appeal at this level.
City Chief (IRE) 1-5fav (11-8) Made all, jumped fluently, not extended, comfortably, won at Hereford 3m 2f mdn (4) sft in Mar beating Prince Des Fichaux (11-8) by 5 1/2l, 4 ran.
Shearer (IRE) 3-1jfav (11-12) Tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, strongly pressed run-in, driven and stayed on gamely, on top towards finish, won at Newbury 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Stringtoyourbow (10-1) by nk, 9 ran.
Donna's Double 11-2 (11-12) Prominent, pressed leader before 3 out, pushed along before last, ridden and kept on, no impression, 2nd of 10, 2 3/4l behind Hidden Heroics (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f (4) gs in Mar.
Half Track (IRE) 11-10fav (11-3) Raced in mid-division, travelled strongly and made headway before 3 out, ridden and under pressure at 2 out, every chance at last hurdle, outpaced close home, 3rd of 6, 6 1/4l behind Silva Eclipse (10-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Hidden Heroics (FR) 7-4fav (11-5) Made all, pressed and pushed along before 3 out, ridden after 3 out, stayed on well, always doing enough, won at Newcastle 2m 4f (4) gs in Mar beating Donna's Double (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Starlyte (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Disputed lead, pushed along 2 out, jumped left 2 lengths clear last, kept on run in, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Mar beating Whispering Gypsy (11-12) by 3l, 9 ran.
