tracked leading pair, 2nd after 3 out, ridden and stayed on same pace from next, no chance with winner
held up, off the pace, in 5th, modest 4th after 3 out, never on terms
jumped badly left, always in rear, tailed off
raced keenly, tracked clear leader, closed 3 out, led soon after 3 out, clear before next, stayed on strongly, ridden out
tracked leaders, pushed along and one pace in 3rd before hit 2 out, no chance with leading duo
pulled hard, led, jumped left 2nd and soon clear, reduced lead 3 out, soon headed and weakened rapidly, tailed off when went left 2 out and last
A couple of these stand out with the proven form of DUSKY LEGEND at this level edging the decision her way. Alan King’s mare has won twice since placing at Cheltenham in March and found only one too good in Listed company at Newbury last time. Coillte Lass is progressing well having followed a maiden success with a facile win in novice company at Ludlow and has to come into the reckoning but the remainder have some improving to do, including Theatre Territory. The latter won on her hurdling debut at Uttoxeter well enough but bumper winner Appy Days has a tough task on her hurdling bow and Westerbee has already been well beaten by the selection.
Dusky Legend 11-8 (11-3) Tracked leading pair, disputing 2nd approaching and hit 3 out, outright 2nd next, ridden and held before last, one pace run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 3 1/4l behind La Bague Au Roi (11-0) at Newbury 2m lst (1) gs in Nov.
Appy Days (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway on inside 4f out, 3rd over 1f out, one pace and well held by front pair final furlong, 3rd of 10, 11 1/4l behind Oscar Rose (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m (1) gs in Dec.
Avithos 16-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, tailed off, 6th of 11, dist behind Dalkadam (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) hvy in Dec.
Coillte Lass (IRE) 1-3fav (11-5) Made all, clear from 5 out, unchallenged, won at Ludlow 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov beating Alizee Javilex (10-12) by dist, 2 ran.
Theatre Territory (IRE) 4-9fav (11-4) Chased leaders, led 3 out, clear before last, stayed on well (no time taken due to very poor visibility), won at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec beating Canoodle (11-4) by 9l, 14 ran.
Westerbee (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Close up, swerved right and unseated right 1st, at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) gs in Dec.
