tracked winner until before 4 out, ridden and every chance last, kept on and held run-in
made all, ridden before last, held on well run-in
held up in rear, headway before 4 out, weakened before 2 out
in touch, weakened from 2 out
tracked leaders, challenged 4 out, ridden before 2 out, one pace in 3rd
towards rear, effort from 4 out, never dangerous
De Dollar Man won a point, a bumper, a maiden hurdle and chase at Exeter on his first start in a handicap for which he's been raised 5lb. He has an obvious chance though MORTENS LEAM had been going well over hurdles before just touched off on his chasing bow here in November. He started odds-on for a Fakenham handicap last month and came home in very impressive fashion. He's been raised a massive 19lb for future handicaps though that won't be a concern here. The progressive Hogan's Height looks certain to get into contention after his Ludlow victory but Quietly is best watched for now after running out at Sedgefield.
De Dollar Man (IRE) 9-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders, hampered 1st, challenged before 4 out, led at 4 out, jumped right and not fluent 3 out, clear when drifted right last, hung left flat, ridden out, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Earthmoves (11-9) by 5l, 5 ran.
Hogan's Height (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led into start, in rear, shied at rail before 1st, headway 4th, challenged 7th, led 11th, pressed from 4 out until 2 out, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 2m 4f (3) gs in Dec beating Midnight Target (10-7) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Mortens Leam 4-5fav (11-12) Close up, headway to join leader 4 out, led 2 out, soon clear, eased run in, comfortable, won at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Oakidoaki (11-4) by 11l, 5 ran.
Midnight Merlot 20-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders halfway, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up before last, at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Quietly (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Led, ran out 6th, at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Miss Amelia 8-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden 3 out (usual 4 out), never nearer, 5th of 11, 25 1/2l behind Asum (11-12) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Dark Valley (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, jumped slowly and not fluent throughout, weakened 4 out, tailed off next, moderate 3rd, last of 3, dist behind Bordeaux Bill (11-0) at Wetherby 3m (4) sft in Dec.
