in rear and in touch, went 2nd before 2 out, led 2 out, clear before last, kept on well
tracked leaders, chased winner from last, kept on and no impression
led to 2 out, ridden before last, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, soon lost place
NonRunner
Cyrus Darius won last year’s renewal but is penalised this time round while Dame Rose ran well in a Grade 2 mares’ hurdle at Doncaster recently and should go well in a tight contest. Better Getalong won a bumper on this card last year and has subsequently scored twice over hurdles and Katgary finished in front of CHTI BALKO when runner-up in a handicap here last month. But the latter re-opposes on much better terms today and Donald McCain’s charge is taken to reverse running and come out best.
Cyrus Darius 2-1fav (11-12) Prominent, effort when mistake 3 out, weakened after next, 3rd of 6, 9 3/4l behind Just Cameron (11-12) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Better Getalong (IRE) 2-11fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, kept on run-in, won at Ayr 2m (4) hvy in Jan beating Off The Hook (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Chti Balko (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Raced on inside, led until hit last and narrowly headed, weakened run-in, lost 4th post, 5th of 10, 5 1/4l behind Mirsaale (11-5) at Kelso 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Katgary (FR) 18-1 (11-2) Raced wide, soon chasing leader, led last, driven and kept on run-in, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Mirsaale (11-5) at Kelso 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Dame Rose (FR) 11-2 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway from 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace in 4th before last, 4th of 6, 9l behind Maria's Benefit (11-2) at Doncaster 2m 1f (1) sft in Jan.
