made virtually all, not always fluent, clear from last, stayed on well
led until 1st, tracked winner until 6th, soon weakened, tailed off
held up, jumped left 2nd, headway on outside from 4th, ridden after 3 out, one pace when jumped left and mistake last, went 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner
chased leaders, not fluent and outpaced 3 out, went 4th and stayed on flat, no impression
took keen hold in rear, not much room 2nd, not fluent next, headway 3 out, mistake last, weakened flat
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, 2nd next, ridden and edged left after 2 out, mistake and no impression on winner last, lost 2nd flat
Course and distance winner Chti Balko possibly found 2m3f a shade too far here last time. He’ll handle conditions and should go well back in the right grade. Sleepy Haven has also won over track and trip and wasn’t beaten far last time at Lingfield. Joke Dancer improved again to land a novice event here last time but may be too close in the weights to QUIDS IN. A winner at Uttoxeter back in February, he’s run well in all three starts this campaign and deserves a change of luck. Cap Du Nord was raised 9lb for winning a novices’ handicap at Sandown and is taking on better opposition here while The Gipper has a bit to prove at present.
Chti Balko (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Led 1st, clear from 3rd until 3 out, headed next, soon ridden, no chance with front pair before last, lost poor 3rd flat, 4th of 9, 22 1/2l behind Limited Reserve (10-2) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Nov.
The Gipper (IRE) 10-1 (12-2) Jumped left, led, not fluent 4th or 3 out, soon headed, weakened before 2 out, last of 5, 31l behind Coeur Blimey (11-6) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Sleepy Haven (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) In touch, effort after 3 out, kept on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Clayton (11-4) at Lingfield 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Quids In (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway after 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, stayed on, no impression on winner inside final 100 yards and lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind One For Harry (11-12) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Joke Dancer 10-3 (10-12) Held up in rear, slightly hampered 1st, headway before 3 out, led approaching next, clear when not fluent last, comfortably, won at Haydock 2m (4) hvy in Dec beating Niblawi (10-12) by 6l, 6 ran.
Cap Du Nord (FR) 9-2jfav (10-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd when not fluent 2 out, ridden to lead when hung right flat, ran on, won at Sandown 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Phoenix Dawn (11-1) by 1l, 12 ran.
