Portrait King is 0-13 over hurdles and a shadow of the horse that won the Eider in 2012. Behindthelines has been placed in all three starts over timber and gone close the last twice, including once here. Teescomponents Lad has been running well since dead-heating at Catterick in January but will have his stamina tested today and Sedgefield scorer Dolly's Dot looks to be facing an impossible task at the weights. She’s rated a massive 52lb lower than PIRI MASSINI and Olly Murphy’s stayer has his sights lowered today.
Piri Massini (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, not fluent 1st, every chance before 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 4, 9l behind Cadeyrn (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f (3) hvy in Mar.
Teescomponents Lad 5-2 (11-8) Tracked winner, pushed along on long run before last, lost 2nd approaching last, weakened run-in, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Pc Dixon (11-1) at Hexham 2m (4) hvy in Mar.
Behindthelines (IRE) 11-10fav (11-4) Tracked leader who went clear after 2nd, closed before 3 out, lost 2nd before next, ridden and outpaced between last 2, rallied and switched left run-in, went 2nd final 100 yards and closed, just held, 2nd of 6, nk behind Arctic Vodka (11-4) at Hexham 2m 4f mdn (5) hvy in Mar.
Portrait King (IRE) 11-2 (12-3) Chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, blundered 7th, pushed along in 3rd after 3 out, stayed on same pace from next, 3rd of 6, 16 1/2l behind Kilcullen Flem (11-10) at Hexham 4m hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Dolly's Dot (IRE) 13-2 (10-3) Tracked leaders, led 3rd, headed 2 out, regained lead run-in, just held on close home, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Mar beating Ange Des Malberaux (11-8) by nk, 11 ran.
