chased leader, pushed along over 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened and eased, tailed off
mid-division, under pressure when carried wide on bend 7f out, behind after, tailed off
in touch, pushed along half way, stayed on final 2f
always rear, carried wide on bend 7f out, tailed off
held up in rear, hung left on bend 7f out, pushed along and no danger final 3f
took keen hold, led, 3 lengths clear over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
always rear division, lost touch final 3f, tailed off
chased leader to 3f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, pushed aong 5f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner final 100 yards, closing near finish, just failed
always towards rear, ridden 6f out, soon struggling, tailed off
towards rear, pushed along 6f out, clogged on final 2f
held up in rear, headway on inside to chase leaders 3f out, went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, strongly pressed near finish, all out
ALASI is the pick in the finale with Ryde Back and Mintiverdi put up as the alternatives. Racecourse experience might count for plenty here and Alasi took her chance in what was a very hot bumper at Ascot. The drop in class looks welcome and with the race already working out, we take her to add to the role of honour. Ryde Back is related to a couple of stayers so it remains to be seen as to whether this trip will be a little on the sharp side. Nevertheless, it is folly to oppose a Nicky Henderson horse at will. Mintiverdi is a daughter of Champion Hurdle winner, Alderbrook. She could be anything and the market is watched. Gentle Caribou already looks in need of a trip. She has caught the eye on two previous starts but will be of more interest once sent hurdling. Chaser's War has plenty of speed in her pedigree and might be a fair price on account of her unfashionable connections. Conington has a bit to prove on her Huntingdon run. Never Lost would have claims if she learns how to settle in her races rather than fight the rider through the first mile. Lady Vera is a half-sister to prolific chaser, Argento. The market will give us plenty of clues so Alasi gets the nod in the absence of that vital information.
Alasi 20-1 (10-11) In touch, effort over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 6th of 15, 6l behind Red Harbour (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Chaser's War (IRE) Needle Gun mare out of Whisky Chaser.
Conington 12-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 7f out, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 12, 19l behind Asturienne (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m mrs nhf (5) gd in Dec.
Ede's The Best 16-1 (9-11) In touch, effort 3f out out, soon weakened, 10th of 15, 10l behind Riverside Theatre (10-7) at Kempton 2m nhf (4) gd in Feb.
Gentle Caribou (IRE) 9-1 (10-3) In touch, pushed along halfway, lost place over 4f out, stayed from over 1f out, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Asturienne (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m mrs nhf (5) gd in Dec.
Joking Aside (IRE) Winged Love mare out of Listen Up.
Lady Vera Sir Harry Lewis mare out of Four M's.
Never Lost 7-1 (10-4) Keen tracking leaders, led halfway, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 21l behind Alderluck (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (6) gs in Mar.
Play A Cord (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Prominent and keen, ridden halfway, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 10, well behind Pliny (10-7) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Quapriland (FR) 100-1 (10-2) With leaders, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final 2f, 6th of 18, 12l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Ryde Back Bob Back filly, half-sister to bumper/chase winner Joyryder.
Saddlers Mot 33-1 (10-7) Chased leaders until weakened over 3f out, 6th of 9, 13l behind Keltic Cliche (10-5) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Silver Wager Silver Patriarch mare out of Gemma's Wager.
Tara Taylor 15-2 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden 6f out, no impression, 7th of 16, 30l behind Cross Kennon (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (4) gs in Nov.
Mintiverdi Kayf Tara mare out of Just Jodi.
Loana Shell 9-2 (10-12) In touch, weakened over 4f out, 12th of 18, 46l behind Eastern Paramour (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (5) sft in Dec.
