With Sir Mark Prescott's string in such good form, Varya has to be respected but she does not look to be particularly well treated and preference is for Coconut Queen, with Princess Zada rated the pick of the remainder. The selection got up close home when landing the odds at Carlisle last week and although she has a penalty to carry for that success, the extra furlong today should suit and she gets the vote. Tony Carroll's Towy Girl has shown promise in four starts in maidens but looks to be harshly treated for his first start in a handicap, while Hostage has struggled in all three starts on turf this term. First Princess has been knocking on the door and deserves to win a race of this nature but may have to settle for a minor role again and of more interest may be Rod Millman's recent course and distance winner Princess Zada. He has solid claims but marginal preference is for Coconut Queen who gets the vote.
Coconut Queen (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden, outpaced 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong to lead post, won at Carlisle 7f fll hcp (5) gs beating Five Wishes (8-7) by a shd, 12 ran.
Towy Girl (IRE) 9-4 (9-0) Chased leaders, driven to challenge entering final furlong, soon no extra, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Les Fazzani (9-0) at Lingfield 1m fll mdn (6) pol in Dec.
Hostage 12-1 (9-5) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no headway, 6th of 8, 7l behind Encircled (9-3) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Princess Zada 9-2 (9-3) Keen hold in touch, ridden on outside over 2f out, soon no impression on leaders, 7th of 14, 5l behind Baltic Belle (9-7) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Bidable 11-1 (8-10) In rear, headway 3f out, not pace to trouble leaders, 5th of 14, 8l behind Princess Zada (8-8) at Chepstow 1m 3yo hcp (5) gs in May.
First Princess (IRE) 6-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon beaten, 5th of 6, 11l behind Tilapia (9-7) at Southwell 1m 3yo hcp (5) fbs in May.
Rubilini 13-2 (9-2) Held up, edged right 6f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 12, 8l behind Cnoc Moy (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol in Apr.
Varya 33-1 (8-12) Mid-division, pushed along 4f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 14, 7l behind Lone Wolfe (9-3) at Kempton 7f 3yo mdn aut (5) pol in Jan.
