with leader, led before 3 out, clear from last
in touch in 4th place, went 3rd 3 out, went 2nd and every chance 2 out, no extra and lost 2nd place run-in
led, pressed from 5 out, headed before 3 out, ridden and weakened before last
in rear, mistake 5 out, pushed along and outpaced after next, kept on to take 2nd place after last, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, in 3rd and not fluent last, no extra
Skewiff ran well enough in a handicap at Ascot last time to suggest she’d have a leading chance back in novice company. But Carlisle runner-up CHICAGO LADY should benefit from a step up in trip as she’s already been placed between the flags and she’s just preferred to newcomer Drill Baby Drill. Tom George knows the family of the latter well and she’s by the increasingly-influential NH sire Black Sam Bellamy out of a four-times hurdles winner. Touch Of Velvett has hinted at ability but Bitumen Belle has some improving to do.
Skewiff 33-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, steady headway approaching 2 out where not fluent, plugged on run-in, 6th of 12, 7 3/4l behind Ballyheigue Bay (11-6) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Bitumen Belle (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, kept on same pace final 2f, 5th of 8, 15 3/4l behind Bournville (10-8) at Newcastle 2m (5) pol in Mar.
Chicago Lady (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, not fluent 3 out, went 2nd before next and soon pressing, held flat, kept on, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Louse Talk (11-8) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) hvy in Mar.
Drill Baby Drill Black Sam Bellamy M out of Tulipa.
Touch Of Velvett 50-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, pushed along after 7th, went 5th before 2 out, unable to trouble leaders, 5th of 8, 9 1/2l behind Malachite (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 5f mdn (5) sft in Feb.
