took keen hold in touch, headway over 1f out, never on terms
with leader, ridden to challenge well over 1f out, faded final furlong
took keen hold in touch, driven and headway over 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, switched left, stayed on
always prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure closing stages
chased leaders, weakening when short of room over 1f out
made all, ridden when challenged over 1f out, held on gamely final furlong
BE ROYALE has been thereabouts in similar company recently and it could be her turn today. Crystal Malt scored over a mile at Lingfield in November and this is easier than her latest task at the same track while Ixelles Diamond had little chance on unfavourable terms with the winner when second in a seller last time and is not out of this. Mambo Fever makes her debut on Polytrack after a placed effort at Southwell and Mrs Bubbles won her maiden at Wolverhampton last month.
Birdie Queen 14-1 (9-7) Raced wide in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 7l behind Seychelloise (9-12) at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Be Royale 4-1fav (9-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Lady Lydia (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp fll (5) pol in Dec.
Crystal Malt (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, not clearest of runs over 2f out until over 1f out, soon ridden and no real progress, 6th of 9, 4 3/4l behind Tempting (9-2) at Lingfield 7f hcp fll (3) pol in Dec.
Ixelles Diamond (IRE) 11-4 (8-10) Close up, headway to lead approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Captain Lars (9-1) at Lingfield 1m stks (6) pol in Dec.
Quite Smart (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Always towards rear, ridden halfway, 11th of 13, 9 1/4l behind Exceeding Power (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Mrs Bubbles (IRE) (9-2) 14th of 16, 10 1/2l behind Super Nothing (9-2) at Deauville 6f stks pol in Dec.
Mambo Fever 6-4fav (9-7) Slowly into stride, raced wide in midfield, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Speightowns Kid (9-6) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.