A fascinating race in which narrow preference is for AMBER BROOK ahead of Jaunty Flight and Carole's Legacy. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained mare is quickly back on the bike having fallen at Kempton six days ago. She was still in contention there and if putting her best foot forward, and repeating her November second behind Whiteoak, then she could prove hard to beat. Amongst her rivals is the progressive giant Carole's Legacy. This sister to Mad Max has been flying over fences of late and showed lots of resolution when beating Cool Friend by a nose. She won't mind the return to a longer trip and is interesting back over hurdles. Dansimar's jumping has become a problem, so of more interest is Jaunty Flight. She has a fine record when fresh and there is little doubt that Oliver Sherwood will have her primed for this first run of the season with the soft ground conditions no problem. Alasi has been progressing well at a lower level but this is a big step up in class and she also has stamina for this trip to prove. Easter Legend has some solid recent handicap form, but she has a lot to find with Carole's Legacy on their Newbury running as novices. A cracking opener, where the top-rated Amber Brook gets the nod.
Alasi 9-1 (10-12) Chased leader, led 2 out, ridden and stayed on under pressure flat, won at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec beating Moonstreaker (10-9) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Amber Brook (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Raced on inside, held up in rear, headway after 3 out, staying on and disputing close 4th when fell 2 out, in a race won by Strawberry (11-4) at Kempton 3m hdl (2) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Carole's Legacy 15-8fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, headed approaching last, rallied flat to regain lead post, won at Exeter 2m 3f Mares Novice Chase (4yo+) (4) sft in Dec beating Cool Friend (10-12) by ns, 8 ran.
Dansimar 12-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, weakened 3 out, soon tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Strawberry (11-4) at Kempton 3m hdl (2) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Easter Legend 7-1 (11-12) Behind, headway 3 out, soon tracking leaders, led after last, ran on well, won at Ascot 2m 6f Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-125) (4yo+) (3) gd in Nov beating Ambrose Princess (10-9) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Jaunty Flight 3-1 (10-13) Held up, headway to lead 4 out, left 6 lengths clear next, stayed on well, easily, won at Perth 3m nov stks (2) gd in Apr beating Lodge Lane (11-3) by 22l, 6 ran.
