tracked leaders, led 3rd to 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, led 5th, clear approaching last
with leader early, ridden approaching 3 out, in 3rd when not fluent 2 out, weakened last
led to 3rd, weakened from 4 out
held up, hit 4th, headway 5th, challenged 3 out, no chance with winner after 2 out
Withdrawn
This finish could be fought out by Thehonourablelady and Heavenly Chorus; we'll take the later to have the final say. Chip N Pin could emerge as the biggest danger to that pair. Thehonourablelady won over course and distance in December and was 6 lengths to the good of the selection but she is 6lbs higher and Heavenly Chorus races from the same mark. Thehonourablelady has faced stiff tasks the last twice but this is her level and a big run looks assured. As well as having the revised weights in her favour, there was also reason to believe that Heavenly Chorus was a shade unlucky in December as James Reveley appeared to give her too much to do. We know she handles conditions and her improving young jockey won't make the same mistake again. Chip N Pin has shown promise in her five starts over hurdles and steps into handicap company for the first time this afternoon. She may well have more in the locker and is respected but we prefer to side with the proven claims of Heavenly Chorus.
Festive Chimes (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) In touch, ridden and weakened 4 out, 6th of 8, well behind Gaelic Gift (9-10) at Lingfield 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Oct.
Thehonourablelady 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, lost place after 6th, soon beaten, 4th of 5, 38l behind Chomba Womba (11-4) at Sandown 2m 4f lst hdl (1) sft in Jan.
Heavenly Chorus 8-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out and soon beaten, 5th of 10, 23l behind Patavium (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Dec.
Big Bertha 6-1 (10-0) In touch, effort when mistake 2 out, ridden between last 2, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Singhalongtasveer (11-8) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec.
Compton Eclaire (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, effort 4th, weakened from 3 out, 11th of 12, 30l behind Anchors Away (10-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Dec.
Chip N Pin 4-1 (10-5) Tracked leader, disputed lead 4th, every chance 2 out, one pace approaching last, 5th of 11, 11l behind Serabad (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Karathaena (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up, never dangerous, 10th of 12, well behind Fresh Winter (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft.
