tracked leaders, mistake and unseated rider 6th
tracked leader, lost place 3rd, rallied after next, led before 6th, driven when headed after 2 out, weakened closing stages
led, jumped right 1st and 4th, headed before 6th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on well to take 2nd closing stages, no chance with easy winner
chased leaders, always travelling well, led on bit after 2 out, very easily, hard held
STEPHANIE FRANCES has obvious claims on favourable terms having won a Listed hurdle at Wetherby just 11 days ago. Dan Skelton’s mare had earlier landed a double over fences at Worcester and has a bit to spare at the weights with Presenting Lisa. The latter arrives on the back of a success at Huntingdon but Bantam fell early on at Warwick on her comeback run. Havana Dancer travels across from Ireland fresh from success at Fairyhouse but this looks tougher.
Bantam (IRE) Evens (10-8) Chased sole rival until fell 4th, at Warwick 2m (3) gd in Nov.
Havana Dancer (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, slight mistake 7th, almost on terms before 4 out where left in lead and clear, pushed along between last 2, ridden out and stayed on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f gd in Oct beating Isabella Liberty (11-7) by 5l, 6 ran.
Presenting Lisa (IRE) 3-1 (11-8) Jumped well, made all, pushed along before 2 out, clear when shaken up before last, driven out, won at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Volvalien (10-13) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Stephanie Frances (IRE) 10-3 (10-12) Held up, in rear, tracked leaders on inside 3 out, led and went 1 length clear when blundered last, soon ridden, kept on under pressure flat, held on near finish, won at Wetherby 2m lst (1) gd in Oct beating Midnight Jazz (10-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
