made most, not fluent 11th, awkward next, ridden before 2 out, headed 2 out, lost 2nd between last two, 3rd and beaten when mistake last, weakened into 4th run-in
pressed leader, challenged 3 out, led next, stayed on well, driven out
raced keenly, always in rear, ridden and beaten turning in
tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd between last two, ridden to challenge last, one pace and held run-in, stayed on for 2nd
raced in 3rd out wide, awkward jump 3rd, pushed along turning in, ridden and no extra in 4th between last two, went modest 3rd run-in
Pic D'orhy fell and left MILLERS BANK in a clear lead at Newbury in November but Alex Hales’ charge then unseated his rider three out and suffered a similar fate behind L’Homme Presse in a Cheltenham Grade 2 on New Year’s Day. The Nicholls runner was no match for the latter at Sandown earlier this month and the weights favour Kielan Woods’ mount today if he can put in a clear round. A step up to 2m4f clearly suited Minella Drama in this grade at Haydock and he’s a smart novice who is rated 24lb higher than Goa Lil. Fantastic Lady is a fast-improving mare but she also has a bit to find at the weights.
Minella Drama (IRE) 85-40fav (11-0) Chased leader, took it up travelling well 4 out, clear 2 out, ran on well from last, unchallenged, won at Haydock 2m 4f (1) sft in Jan beating Hardy Du Seuil (10-8) by 9 1/2l, 6 ran.
Pic D'Orhy (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Led but pressed, narrowly headed 9th, led again next until 11th (water), bad mistake 13th, well held after 3 out, finished tired and no chance with winner, weakened into 3rd run-in, 3rd of 5, 27l behind L'Homme Presse (11-4) at Sandown 2m 4f (1) gs in Feb.
Goa Lil (FR) 11-2 (10-12) Raced wide in 4th, lost place before 4th, rallied out wide chasing leaders before 9th, left modest 3rd 3 out, 3rd of 7, 12 3/4l behind Amarillo Sky (11-10) at Newbury 2m hcp (2) sft in Feb.
Millers Bank 4-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place 2nd, closed 5th, about 5 lengths 5th when knuckled on landing, slithered and unseated rider 4 out, at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) sft in Jan.
Fantastic Lady (FR) 7-4fav (11-5) Chased leader, pressed leader 3 out, close 2nd 2 out, pushed along and led before last, stayed on strongly, readily, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Feb beating Belle De Manech (11-1) by 5 1/2l, 5 ran.
