held up in touch, left 2nd 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, no chance with winner
led after 1st, clear approaching 3 out, easily
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, 3rd and no chance when mistake 2 out, weakened quickly
led to after 1st, 2nd until mistake 4th, soon ridden and weakened
There seems little reason to oppose Pequenita now that she knows what it takes to win a race at this level and she gets a confident vote over Soleil D'Hiver and The Varlet, who should at least be able to make this a test for the selection. The latter has not really shown much since being sent over hurdles and would struggle outside this grade. However, his interest may be sparked by the likelihood of a tactical affair and should be capable of putting up a fair bit of resistance if he handles the conditions. Soleil D'Hiver has no problems on that score and, with a handy weight-for-age allowance, he makes slightly more appeal the main danger. Still, he was easily brushed aside in a similar race over course and distance last time and is not one to rely upon too heavily. Therefore, with Never Promise very hard to fancy on recent evidence, Pequenita looks a far more reliable option today. the daughter of Rudimentary caught the eye with a resurgent effort last time out when the cheeckpieces really worked the oracle. If anything this is an easier assignment and she appears to face a straightforward task in her follow up bid.
The Varlet 20-1 In touch, ridden and one pace from 2 out, 7th of 13, 13l behind Golden Chalice at Taunton 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gf.
Pequenita 16-1 Made all, ridden 2 out, ran on to lead after last, won at Taunton 2m 1f sll hdl (G) gs in Feb beating Time To Roam by 2l, 13 ran.
Never Promise (FR) 20-1 Led, soon clear, hit 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, weakened before last, 4th of 12, 26l behind Physical Graffiti at Leicester 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (G) hvy in Feb.
Soleil d'Hiver 12-1 Prominent until ridden and weakened 3 out, 5th of 17, 15l behind Kathies Pet at Chepstow 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (G) gs in Feb.
