tracked leaders, close 4th when fell 5th
held up, in touch, badly hampered 5th, dropped off from group, some late progress, not recover
held up, in touch, ridden after 3 out, one pace from next
raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden and every chance after 3 out, kept on same pace
led until 4th, prominent, led briefly after 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, led 4th, headed briefly after 3 out, drew clear approaching last, pushed out
In what has the look of a two-horse race, Shatabdi is taken to see off the challenge of Arisea, with Inherent worth a mention on her return to the fray. Shatabdi was a progressive sort on the Flat in France, and it came as no surprise when she trotted up on her British debut at Plumpton five days ago, as she was left with a simple task after what would have been her only serious rival, Apollo Lady was announced as a non-runner. She had worked well at home prior to turning up at the Sussex track and should continue to make her mark at this level before going chasing. A penalty is hardly likely to stop her today, and Sam Waley Cohen can look forward to another win on the mare. The main threat should be Arisea, but she is only just better than selling class judged on her success in a class 4 hurdle at Uttoxeter last time. Inherent found the ground too lively when failing to defy a penalty in a Cheltenham bumper and has been given time to mature. She will need the run but may figure for a while along with Symbiosis, and both can be followed as time goes on. For now though, the pick has to be Shatabdi.
Shatabdi (IRE) 4-11fav (10-7) Tracked leaders going well, led approaching 4 out, clear 2 out, easily, won at Plumpton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy beating Persona (11-0) by 29l, 8 ran.
Arisea (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 4th, led approaching 2 out, soon in command, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Back On Line (10-11) by 6l, 10 ran.
Dancing Dasi (IRE) 7-1 (9-12) Mid-division, headway after 3 out, effort next, soon one pace, 5th of 14, 19l behind Oceanos des Obeaux (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Inherent (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, effort on outside 5f out, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 17, 38l behind Classic Fiddle (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 1f mrs nhf (4) gd in Apr.
Symbiosis 7-1 (10-5) Led 1st, headed 2nd, mistake 4th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 16, well behind Labelthou (11-3) at Towcester 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
First Feerie (FR) 20-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, soon behind, last of 5, well behind Degas Art (11-6) at Aintree 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Nov.
