tracked leader, ridden to lead just over 1f out, ran on when pressed inside final furlong, edged left near finish, headed final stride
steadied start, raced keenly in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, one pace final furlong, not troubled leaders
always towards rear, ridden and outpaced final 2f
led, ridden and headed just over 1f out, kept on, looked beaten when short of room and snatched up near finish, lost 2 places
mid-division, ridden and lost place from over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch 4th, stayed on to chase leaders inside final furlong, led final stride
held up behind, ridden 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong to take 3rd post
tracked leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced well over 1f out, kept on again inside final furlong without troubling leaders
SMOKEY RYE can land this competitive though relatively weak affair at the principal expense of Moon Crystal and Bavarica. Although better known in claimers, Smokey Rye has posted some serious speed figures in her recent victories and provided that she doesn't hit the front too early, there is every reason to believe that she can transfer form to handicaps. Moon Crystal and Bavarica reoppose having met at the course last month. The former was ridden with a little more restraint than normal on that occasion and it would be no surprise to see a switch in tactics this afternoon. Bavarica is another for whom a strong pace will suit and without it, her chance of confirming form will be compromised. Little Knickers is back in headgear today after running lamentably without it. Melt is 0 from 15 in her career so far. The application of headgear seemed to spark a little more life into her but she failed to take another race when holding every chance to do so. Becuille may have a chance if bouncing back to the best of her Irish form though it will be some ask to do so having had a sizeable absence. Smokey Rye ticks plenty of boxes and is accordingly recommended.
Moon Crystal 3-1 (8-11) Started slowly, soon recovered to chase leaders, ridden to dispute 2nd 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 6, 7l behind Jaconet (9-4) at W'hampton 6f fll hcp (5) pol.
Bavarica 15-2 (8-2) Steadied start, held up in rear, not far away, ridden over 1f out, sustained run to lead well inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m hcap (5) pol in Feb beating Moon Crystal (8-12) by a shd, 6 ran.
Smokey Rye 8-1 (8-13) Towards rear, in last 2f out, good headway approaching final furlong, strong run on outside to lead final strides, won at Lingfield 1m sll (6) pol in Feb beating Garden Party (8-12) by a hd, 10 ran.
Becuille (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 10th of 16, 14l behind Kaitlins Joy (8-12) at Navan 1m hcp 0-80 hvy in Oct.
Little Knickers 25-1 (9-1) Always towards rear, 10th of 13, 4l behind Marmooq (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Melt (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Close up, chased leader over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Fun In The Sun (9-3) at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Bold Diva 6-1 (8-9) Keen, held up towards rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, stayed on to take 4th towards finish, 4th of 11, 4l behind Alfredtheordinary (9-0) at Lingfield 1m app hcp (6) pol.
Too Grand 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon in mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression, 9th of 12, 7l behind Ardent Prince (9-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
