in touch, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, chased clear winner final furlong, edged right
tracked clear leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened
led, set steady pace, headed over 6f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, shaken up over 4f out, no impression
tracked leader, led over 6f out, clear over 2f out, ran on well
reared badly stalls, virtually refused to race, pulled up
held up, ridden, headway over 3f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, one pace
A poor turnout for the claimer and Donatessa can surprise likely market fancies Given A Choice and Little Jimbob. Trainer Charlie Mann is better known as a trainer of chasers and hurdlers but he is always to be noted when trying his stock on the level and Donatessa is a fascinating participant. Tried at Group level in Germany and Italy when with Mario Hofer a couple of seasons ago, she should have few fitness issues as she had three runs over hurdles last month. Given A Choice is probably flattered by that BHA rating. He pays his way at this level and actually scored nicely at Lingfield in a handicap last month. Little Jimbob has to be respected as a raider from the North. He had no chance with Southwell specialist, Yakimov, when the pair met there at the end of last month. Western Roots seems to be running more consistently for the switch to Andrew Balding and has to be respected. Lingfield specialist Moayed has it to do at these weights. Pepito Collonges is a failed hurdler while Steely Dan invariably pops up at big prices. Donatessa catches the eye in the opener and at the likely odds, she gets our vote.
Given A Choice (IRE) 11-1 (8-10) Held up, weakened 2f out, 7th of 9, 17l behind Polish Power (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2f app hcp (4) gs.
Pepito Collonges (FR) (9-11) Held up, strong finish, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Pinot Ville (9-12) at Lyon Parilly 1m 3f Non-Thoroughbred in Dec '06.
Little Jimbob 4-1 (9-7) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Yakimov (9-7) at Southwell 1m clm (6) fbs in Apr.
Steely Dan 20-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 6th of 9, 5l behind Resplendent Ace (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Western Roots 3-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on, edged right and lost 3rd inside final furlong, one pace, 4th of 9, 2l behind Formidable Guest (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f app hcp (6) pol in Apr.
Donatessa (GER) (8-11) Held up, headway to challenge over 1f out, led near finish, won at Bremen 1m stk sft in Nov '06 beating Ninifee (8-11) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Moayed 9-2 (9-2) Slowly into stride, held up, headway 2f out, edged left, ran on well inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 9, nk behind Climate (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f app clm (6) pol in Apr.
