led and soon clear, extended advantage before halfway, slightly reduced advantage last, eased home run-in, not extended
held up in 3rd, ridden into moderate 2nd entering straight, slightly closer last but no chance with winner, kept on same pace
chased leader in 2nd, moderate 2nd halfway, ridden in 3rd entering straight, kept on same pace from before last
ANNIE POWER makes her long-awaited reappearance before heading for Cheltenham where she's favourite for the Mares' Hurdle and prominent in the World Hurdle betting. Beaten just twice on 14 starts in bumpers and over timber, this should prepare her nicely for a crack at the big prizes. Legacy Gold once looked a smart prospect for David Pipe, winning six of her eight starts in bumpers and over hurdles, but she hasn't been seen for almost two years. She receives 10lb from the selection as does Melbourne Lady and the latter, who has been running well over fences, is probably booked for second spot with race-fitness on her side.
Annie Power (IRE) 2-9fav (11-7) Made all, went clear after 2 out, pushed along approaching last, stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 2f (1) sft in May beating Analifet (11-7) by 10l, 7 ran.
Legacy Gold (IRE) 7-2fav (11-10) Held up in rear, keen hold early, slow 6th, headway 4 out, switched right to challege 2 out, soon one pace, 4th of 20, 2 1/4l behind Carole's Destrier (11-6) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Melbourne Lady 16-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, left 3rd after 3 out, soon pushed along and no impression after 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 12 1/2l behind Aunt Nora (11-0) at Thurles 2m 4f (1) sft in Jan.
