held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
in touch, headway on inside to lead approaching final furlong, ridden and hung left close home
led and keen, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, one pace
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, some late headway, not troubled leaders
dwelt, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, switched left 1f out, ran on, not reach leaders
mid-division, lost place 3f out, ridden approaching 1f out, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
mid-division, closer order over 2f out, ridden and ran on to chase winner well inside final furlong, not reach
This is quite a competitive handicap, and although Bitter Sweet is thriving at present and looks the one to beat, we just prefer the claims of Theatre Lady. Bitter Sweet is a course and distance winner who could have the race run to suit here, as she enjoys coming off a strong pace. Six pounds higher for her recent success at Beverley, John Spearing's mare may still have a major say in the outcome. Doris Souter is ideally drawn to utilise forcing tactics which have been successful of late. Richard Hannon's filly is now eight pounds higher than when winning at Windsor a couple of starts ago, but will be hard to keep out of the frame.Tarkwa also likes to race prominently and should give backers a bold show, but we narrowly side with Theatre Lady. Although still a maiden, David Evans' filly has been running well of late, and shaped particularly well when third at Salisbury last time. She stays this ten furlongs equally well and may go close at a decent each-way price.
