led, not fluent 1st, hit and headed 14th, led again between last 2, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd, fell 10th
tracked leader and keen, jumped left and mistakes throughout, led 14th, jumped badly left and headed 2 out, one pace
MISS SARENNE is confidently expected to atone for an expensive defeat on her chase bow. She may have most to fear from Calusa Crystal. Nicky Henderson has a fine record at this track and sent out Shatabdi to land this race last year. She was returned odds-on and it would be no surprise to see Miss Sarenne sent off at a similarly prohibitive price following an encouraging debut at Warwick in a fair race that has already received a couple of boosts to the form. Calusa Crystal has been set some stiff tasks over fences having bumped into Crack Away Jack and Riverside Theatre. This is a more realistic assignment but she could have her work cut out to match strides with the well regarded Lambourn runner. Izita Star won three times over hurdles before the handicapper took her measure and held a similar mark to the selection at the end of the season although she was significantly more exposed. She should win races in this sphere but the other pair have the upper hand in terms of experience. Maggie Mathias was a consistent, albeit more modest performer, when last in action and can only be watched as she returns from a lengthy spell on the sidelines as this looks best left to Miss Sarenne.
Calusa Crystal (FR) 18-1 (10-4) Chased leaders, hampered and left 3rd at 6th, jumped right last 3, kept on run-in to take 2nd but never anywhere near winner, 2nd of 6, 28l behind Riverside Theatre (11-0) at Newbury 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.
Izita Star 5-1 (10-12) Prominent, outpaced when hit 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 10, 25l behind Santia (10-12) at Wetherby 2m mrs lst hdl (1) gd in Oct.
Miss Sarenne (FR) 15-8fav (10-3) Took keen hold, tracked leading pair, pecked 9th, not fluent next, challenged 2 out, upsides and every chance last, no extra and held final 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Rory Boy (11-1) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov chs (3) gd in Nov.
Maggie Mathias (IRE) Evensfav (10-12) Always prominent, hit 5th, led 7th, jumped left, hit last, edged left flat, driven out, won at Warwick 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec '07 beating Jim Bobs Girl (10-5) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
