slowly into stride and went right from stalls, soon pushed along to track leader in 2nd, reminders over 5f out, soon pushed along and ridden, dropped to 4th from 3f out, no impression from over 1f and kept on same pace inside final furlong
led, pressed and ridden under 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong and dropped to 3rd close home
tracked leaders in 3rd, progress into 2nd 4f out and ridden to challenge from 2f out, dropped to 3rd 1f out, no impression on winner and kept on into 2nd inside final furlong
settled in 4th, progress into 3rd from 3f out, pushed along to lead 1f out, ridden and drifted left towards rail inside final furlong, kept on well, comfortably
slowly into stride and settled in rear, pushed along over 4f out and soon detached, tailed off
After early promise, the 120,000gns yearling Santa Monica became very disappointing and hasn't run since September. Connections will want a victory for the paddocks but LIVE TWICE is handed the vote. She attracted some support on her debut at the Curragh in August and led for a long way before being swamped close home. The winner was narrowly beaten in a Listed contest next time so the form is strong and though the subsequent absence is a concern she looks the one to be on. Saga Sprint's close fourth behind Va Pensiero worked out well but she was then well beaten on a return visit last month. Whitethorn was clearly unsuited by heavy going at Tipperary on Tuesday after a moderate opening run here in November. Im Waiting is a half-sister to three winners from 6f to 2m7f over fences.
Im Waiting (IRE) Excellent Art filly out of Margot.
Live Twice 10-1 (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, strongly pressed 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 10, 4 1/4l behind How High The Moon (8-11) at Curragh 7f fll Good - Yielding in Aug.
Saga Sprint (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden in 5th 2f out, soon no impression, eased inside final furlong, 8th of 14, 10 3/4l behind Long Island Sound (9-5) at Dundalk 1m mdn pol in Apr.
Santa Monica 8-1 (9-0) Towards rear, some headway on outer 2f out, kept on same pace, never reached leaders, 8th of 13, 9 3/4l behind Rayisa (9-0) at Gowran Park 1m mdn fll gd in Sep.
Whitethorn (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Always rear, never a factor, pushed along and no extra approaching straight, weakened, completely tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Evening Hush (9-0) at Tipperary 1m 4f mdn fll Soft - Heavy in May.
