tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, led over 1f out, pushed out, stayed on well final furlong
soon led, ridden, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner final furlong but kept on well for 2nd
chased leader to over 3f out, soon outpaced, eased when no chance final furlong
slowly away, soon in touch, chased leading pair halfway, ridden, close up over 1f out, no extra final 100 yards
With the very testing ground the field has cut up considerably and so it looks an easy task for Christmas Tart to gain her first victory, Su Doku and Little Hotpotch may provide most danger. Christmas Tart has shown plenty of ability in two very good maidens at Newmarket and Newbury. In the first contest it was against colts and she put in a very solid effort in fourth place behind Sony Red. But for a slow start last time she may have lost her maiden tag and this event looks on a par with that contest and she is the obvious form choice. Su Doku changed hands for 50 thousand guineas recently and is from a yard capable of getting one ready on it's debut. She is a well bred daughter of Lemon Drop Kid and if well supported take note. Little Hotpotch showed plenty of promise on her Kempton debut and may do better than the only other runner La Marmotte. So just a field of four and Christmas Tart should land the spoils.
Christmas Tart (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (8-8) Held up behind leaders, not clear run from 2f out until approaching final furlong, flashed tail and stayed on, 4th of 6, 3/4l behind Sunley Gift (8-5) at Newbury 5f 2yo fll (3) gd.
La Marmotte (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 14l behind Down The Well (8-9) at Nottingham 5f 2yo mdn fll (5) gf.
Little Hotpotch 50-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 5, 8l behind Fairfield Princess (9-0) at Kempton 5f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Apr.
Su Doku (USA) Lemon Drop Kid filly out of 6f winner Bellehop.
