held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden 2f out, stayed on gamely final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, ran on not reach winner
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, never nearer
tracked winner, ridden 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up mid-division, pushed along and headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge
chased leading pair, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd briefly towards finish
A modest affair in which LUNAR RIVER is put up as a sporting bet against likely market leaders, Prince Rossi and Felicia. David Pinder's charge is rated some way lower on turf than on artificial surfaces but she had shaped well at Nottingham on a similar surface and if she is straight enough on reappearance, there could be value to be had. Prince Rossi has won two races on Kempton's polytrack during the winter. He has stayed this trip so the step up should not be a major issue. Felicia still searches for a first win. She has ran creditably over this trip on artificial surfaces and has the services of a quality 7lb claimer. Mick Is Back invariably goes close in plating company though struggles to show the same consistency in handicaps. Siena Star has won off this mark under similar conditions in the past but the gelding is now in the veteran stage of his career. Tabaran was a promising juvenile hurdler for Noel Chance so his presence at this track under Chris Catlin makes him noteworthy in the betting. Libre is arguably better over shorter while Fantasy Ride, who is far from a frequent scorer, has run well a few seasons ago on fast ground and could be best of the rest. Plenty of plausible players in this contest and Lunar River is selected as the value option.
Libre 14-1 (9-5) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, some progress, hanging right under pressure over 1f out, soon held, 7th of 13, 10l behind Bramalea (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Mick Is Back 9-2 (9-9) In touch, ridden to press leader from over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, all out when headed post, 2nd of 8, hd behind Ricci De Mare (8-13) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) sft in Oct.
Siena Star (IRE) 6-1 (9-6) Led after 1f to over 2f out, gradually weakened, 7th of 12, 6l behind Old Romney (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcap (6) pol in Jan.
Mister Trickster (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Towards rear, kept on final 2f, never near leaders, 8th of 13, 5l behind Ergo (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Southern Mistral 15-2 (8-12) Mid-division, kept on from 2f out, never nearer, 5th of 13, 9l behind Tropical Tradition (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f stks 0-55 (6) pol in Nov.
Fantasy Ride 11-2 (8-9) Steadied start, held up in rear, stayed on steadily from 2f out, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Shanafarahan (8-7) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Mar.
Prince Rossi (IRE) 9-1 (8-9) Made all, ridden and under pressure 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, all out, won at Kempton 1m hcap (6) pol in Feb beating Safebreaker (9-4) by ns, 13 ran.
Moon Mix (FR) 12-1 (8-10) Dwelt, soon led and 3 lengths clear, ridden and headed 2f out soon weakened, last of 5, 15l behind Inch Lodge (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcap (5) pol in Feb.
Murrumbidgee (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, driven to challenge and every chance 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 15, 2l behind Grethel (8-5) at Beverley 1m stks 0-55 (6) gf in Sep '07.
Moyoko (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Held up in touch, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind The Graig (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-55) (6) pol in Mar.
Bermacha 20-1 (8-13) Close up, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 11, 9l behind Young Bertie (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Lunar River (FR) 8-1 (9-5) Mid-divison on outside, lost place over 3f out, 8th of 12, 8l behind Red Lily (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f flls hcp (0-70) (3yo+) (5) pol in Nov.
Felicia 7-1 (8-2) Chased leader to 7f out, stayed prominent, went 2nd 2f out, soon ridden and driver dropped reins, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Follow The Flag (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Tabaran (FR) (9-2) 98th of 11, 20l behind Double Brandy (8-9) at Saint-Cloud(FR) 7f clm hvy in Mar '06.
