held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leader, led well over 1f out, ridden out
started slowly, led after 1f, ridden well over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up in touch, pulled hard, chased leaders over 4f out, soon weakened
led 1f, remained prominent, driven to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, effort over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
tracked leaders, pulled hard, effort over 3f out, weakened final 2f
held up, mid-division, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, outpaced over 3f out, kept on, nearest finish
The shortlist contains Knockara Luck, Apollo Lady and Tambourine Davis, with the vote going to the first-named. Knockara Luck has defied her purchase price in winning both of her bumper starts, at Cheltenham and Punchestown and, naturally enough, is fully worthy of respect here. As is Apollo Lady, who won well on her course and distance debut. Mick Fitzgerald is again riding Tihui Two, which is interesting because the pair teamed up to win last time and, also, Nicky Henderson, who is Fitzgerald's boss, saddles Tambourine Davis, who comes firmly into the reckoning based on her Newbury debut second to Inherent. Forest Emerald has four-and-a-quarter lengths to find on the back of that race. Of the others, Nannys Gift, who showed some promise when third in what was probably a run-of-the-mill event at Haydock last time, Premier Hope, who catches the eye on breeding, and Circus Rose, who is related to several winners, look the better options; that said, for the selection, we are happy to side with Knockara Luck.
Apollo Lady 9-1 (10-4) Prominent, chased leaders over 3f out, led over 2f out, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec beating Theatre Dance (11-4) by 1l, 16 ran.
Tihui Two (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (10-11) Made all, clear 3f out, ran on well, won at Worcester 2m nhf (H) gf in Jun beating Haloo Baloo (11-4) by 14l, 12 ran.
Kathleen Kennet 25-1 (10-11) Held up in mid-division, under pressure 6f out, soon behind, 8th of 11, 28l behind Deep Reflection (11-4) at Lingfield 2m nhf (H) pol in Dec.
Ma Burls 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 6f out, soon lost place, 13th of 15, 29l behind Alaskan Fizz (10-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (H) gf in May.
Molly McGredy Overbury mare out of winning hurdler Oatis Rose.
Premier Hope (IRE) Second Empire mare, half-sister to three winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Circus Rose Most Welcome filly, half-sister to several winning jumpers.
Forest Emerald (IRE) 6-1 (10-4) In touch, headway to chase leaders 4f out, one pace final 2f, 4th of 17, 22l behind Pressgang (11-0) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) gs in Jan.
Itsy Bitsy 33-1 (10-5) Behind until kept on final 2f, never near leaders, 6th of 12, 13l behind Burnt Oak (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
True Dove Kayf Tara filly, half-sister to 1m7f winner Ambitious Annie.
Knockara Luck (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Mid-division, took closer order 4f out, led approaching straight, soon ridden clear, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m 2f mrs nhf sft in Dec beating Haydens First (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
Burn Brook 50-1 (10-2) Behind, kept on final 2f, never dangerous, 7th of 13, 27l behind Ericas Charm (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) gf in Jul.
Nannys Gift (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up and keen, pushed along over 6f out, headway over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Larkbarrow (10-8) at Haydock 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Gessecapade 50-1 (10-5) Always behind, tailed off halfway, 12th of 14, well behind Barton Belle (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 6f mrs nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Tambourine Davis (FR) 13-2 (10-12) Mid-division, stayed on under pressure final 2f, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 19, 1 1/2l behind Inherent (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (H) gs in Dec.
