tracked leader, keen, ridden 6f out, weakened 2f out
held up, headway 7f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ridden out, ran green
held up, took closer order halfway, ridden to lead briefly over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led, hung left briefly on bend 10f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A poor turnout for the finale but it will remain wide open with Celtic Heather, Princess Of Spurs and Keltic Moon all shortlisted with the vote going to the last named. Keltic Moon is well regarded coming form the Nick Gifford yard. The trainer does recruit a nice type of horse and in the main does well in these races. The market will show how popular he will be on the day but in a race with so many unexposed horses he on breeding looks the pick. Princess Of Spurs is another to note in the market as her trainer Venetia Williams has her team of horses in fine fettel at present and she is respected in these races too. Celtic Heather has experience under her belt albeit some bad experience too. She was brought down on her debut but ran with credit when finishing fourth of twelve at Haydock last time out. She was well beaten but with further improvement still to come she is a danger to the selection which we give to Keltic Moon to score on his debut.
Keltic Moon (IRE) Posidonas gelding, brother to Irish point winner Glencraig.
King Jack Classic Cliche gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
My Friend Sandy Anshan gelding, half-brother to the winning hurdler Oulart & bumper winner Round The Horn.
Celtic Heather (IRE) 6-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, one pace final 2f, 4th of 12, 14l behind Smart Tom (11-0) at Haydock 1m 5f nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
Princess of Spurs (IRE) Clerkenwell mare out of a moderate racemare.
Over The Cliff Overbury filly, sister to bumper and hurdles winner Sir Boreas Hawk.