chased leaders, led approaching 6th, not fluent last, headed soon after, rallied and ran on to lead again towards finish
chased leaders, effort 2 out, kept on under pressure, never a threat
prominent, led 2nd, headed next, remained prominent, stayed on same pace from 2 out
held up in touch, headway after 3 out, challenging next, led after last, hard ridden, headed and no extra closing stages
held up in rear but in touch, headway after 3 out, kept on well after last, never able to challenge
led until 2nd, led again next, headed before 6th, effort 2 out, soon outpaced, weakened last
Soft ground would not have been ideal for LA BAGUE AU ROI at Wetherby so she did well to out-battle Lady Buttons, who has won easily since over fences. Warren Greatrex’ mare looks set for another successful season and is well worth a try over 3m on a track like this having beaten Treackle Tart over 2m4f at Huntingdon in April conceding 12lb. Morello Royale won this two years ago but has been chasing lately. Midnight Tour ran well under a big weight at Bangor on her reappearance and will strip fitter here, as will Rons Dream who found 2m far too short at Haydock. Jer's Girl travelled strongly for a long way behind Apple’s Jade in a Grade 2 at Navan and won a couple of Grade 1 races last year so is a threat to all if she stays.
La Bague Au Roi (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led next, ridden and headed 2 out, not fluent last, led again flat, driven and stayed on gamely, won at Wetherby 2m lst (1) sft in Nov beating Lady Buttons (10-12) by 2l, 8 ran.
Midnight Tour 7-1 (11-12) In touch, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, kept on same pace closing stages, 3rd of 9, 2 3/4l behind Dashing Oscar (11-0) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Rons Dream 13-2 (10-5) Tracked leader, under pressure 4 out, beaten approaching next, stayed on same pace, 4th of 6, 17 1/2l behind The New One (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (2) sft in Oct.
Jer's Girl (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Held up in rear, 3rd halfway, headway approaching straight and 2nd before 2 out, pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Apple's Jade (11-5) at Navan 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Morello Royale (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders in 4th, took closer order 11th, driven to challenge 3 out, every chance when mistake next, rallied after last, kept on well, 2nd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Strong Pursuit (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f (3) gs in Nov.
Treackle Tart (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Led, headed after 4 out, ridden and one pace between last 2, kept on under pressure from last, always held flat, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Brillare Momento (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (2) gd in Oct.
