tracked leader, led 2 out, ridden out
held up, headway after 3 out, ridden soon after, kept on
led, ridden approaching 2 out, soon headed, weakened flat
tracked leaders, lost place after 6th, soon beaten
An intriguing start to proceedings here with Chomba Womba fully expected to defy her penalty; De Blanc looks the obvious challenger. Nicky Henderson's mare made a pleasing British debut when defeating Cool Roxy by 3/4 length at Kempton and with her new stable sure to have been impressed by the ease of that win, another big run must be in the pipeline with the ground not expected to pose any problems. Thehonourablelady has gone from strength to strength this year especially when ridden by today's jockey Alex Merriam however this race could be biting off more than she can chew. De Blanc returned from a lengthy absence with a fine third behind Sovietica and is unlikely to be troubled by the drop back in trip today, whilst Floreana and Ceoperk may find themselves outclassed today. A decent opportunity then it appears for Chomba Womba to continue her progression.
Chomba Womba (IRE) 6-5fav (10-10) Close up and always going well, headway on bit to lead 3 out, clear last, heavily eased towards finish, just held on, won at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) gd in Nov beating Cool Roxy (9-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Ceoperk (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Held up, headway 9th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on approaching, 3rd of 14, 7l behind Kealshore Lad (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Crazy Bear (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Held up, blundered and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Souffleur (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec, 9 ran.
De Blanc (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway from 3 out, chased leading pair approaching next, no extra between last 2, 3rd of 11, 9l behind Sovietica (10-2) at Kempton 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Thehonourablelady 10-1 (10-1) Held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders and hit 4 out, weakened under pressure approaching 2 out, 4th of 11, 22l behind Sovietica (10-2) at Kempton 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Floreana (GER) 14-1 (9-7) In touch, hit 5th, well there when fell at the 6th in race won by Sovietica (10-2) at Kempton 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
