prominent, outpaced 9th, ridden after 4 out, led flat, kept on
always behind, not fluent, weakened from 4 out
with leaders, led 3rd, ridden 4 out, headed flat, stayed on
led to 3rd, challenged 4 out, one pace from last
A small field here and preference is for last-year's winner Jefertiti ahead of Yankee Holiday. Lucinda Russell's Jefertiti won off an 8lb higher mark when taking this race last year and is sure to run well here having had several runs to get him primed. He would ideally like some rain but has run well on quick ground previously without getting his head in front. Yankee Holiday only went down narrowly at Sedgefield last time out and he is one who is at home on this ground. He still looks on a fair mark and whilst he may not win that often, he should run his usual game race. Litron drops in trip again having been tried over further in his native Ireland of late, whilst Stormy Beach returns from a break and has tended to need the run in the past. A tight handicap, and Jefertiti is the token selection.
Litron (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Towards rear, 7th and no impression under pressure from 3 out, 6th of 10, 13l behind Mon Oiseau (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 6f hcp chs 0-116 gd.
Stormy Beech 9-1 (11-3) Held up, chased leaders 5 out, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Brave Thought (11-7) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar.
Yankee Holiday (IRE) 5-2 (11-1) Tracked winner, challenged 7th, every chance 2 out, soon ridden and kept on, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Schinken Otto (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf.
Jefertiti (FR) 8-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 12, 28l behind Mighty Moose (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.