behind, effort 3 out, soon no impression
detached in rear, took closer order halfway, stayed on to chase leaders 2 out, never a threat
made virtually all, mistake 11th, drew clear after 2 out, easily (one fence omitted)
keen, in touch, mistake 6th, took closer order 9th, challenging when mistake 3 out, kept on under pressure approaching last, no chance with easy winner
in touch, weakened before 3 out
with leader, every chance 3 out, soon hard ridden, weakened before last
chased leaders, slow 4th, hard ridden 4 out, weakened after next
Bako De La Saulaie, who completed a double in minor handicap company over hurdles around this time a year ago, was engaged in the 2.15 at Ayr yesterday. Point The Way had very little to beat when making a successful debut over fences at Kelso and found it tough when stepped up in class over this course and distance three weeks ago. VERY FIRST TIME, a decent handicap hurdler, fell at the second last when challenging on his chasing debut at Wetherby then only had two poor opponents to beat at Hexham. That will have done his confidence the world of good and he can go in again. Teddy Tee jumped well at Hexham last time but needs a thorough test of stamina which he may not get here but Just Georgie, though still a maiden under Rules, has shown enough over fences to suggest he can find a race soon from this sort of mark.
Point The Way (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Led, blundered 6 out, headed before 5 out, weakened before 3 out, 3rd of 6, 23 3/4l behind Lake View Lad (11-8) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Central Flame 40-1 (11-6) With leader and keen, mistake 10th, quickly lost place and dropped into rear, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out, at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Very First Time 1-9fav (11-0) Jumped well, led 1st, made rest, clear from 13th, unchallenged, won at Hexham 3m (4) hvy in Nov beating Mcginty's Dream (11-0) by 31l, 3 ran.
Teddy Tee (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) In touch, ridden before last in 3rd place, one pace, 3rd of 8, 5 1/4l behind Western Jo (11-12) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Crest 2-1fav (11-12) Chased leader, slow 6th and lost a few places, 5th and slight mistake next, mistake 10th, slight mistake next and soon pulled up, at Tipperary 2m 7f gd in May.
Bako De La Saulaie (FR) 11-4fav (12-2) Held up mid-division, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, led run-in, driven out, won at Wetherby 3m hcp (5) gs in Dec beating Joseph Mercer (10-1) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Just Georgie 2-1fav (11-2) Held up in mid-division, headway before 10th, close up when mistake 14th, unseated rider some way after fence after valiant effort to stay on board, at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
