held up in mid-division, pushed along approaching 3 out, headway under pressure next, effort approaching last, no extra flat
mid-division, headway halfway to chase leaders, blundered 10th, went 2nd when hit 3 out, jumped badly right next, weakened
soon behind, mistake 2nd, tailed off when fell last
held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly approaching last, led run in, kept on
chased leaders, went 2nd from 7th to 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, reminders 6th and lost place, soon behind
prominent until mistake 1st, soon towards rear, tailed off halfway, pulled up before 2 out
led, clear after 3 out, headed flat, no extra towards finish
tracked leaders, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
pulled up after 1st lame
Santa Lucia showed us enough last time out to suggest she can take this moderate contest, with debutante Rival Bidder and Untidy Daughter others for the shortlist. The Lucinda Russell-trained selection was a fair sort over hurdles, particularly on a sound surface like this, and although not achieving quite that level of form over fences, there are still positives. The mare jumps well, is most effective over this trip, and she has run well here in the past. She was resolute last time and only just held in second place, and can go one better now. Rival Bidder is interesting on debut. Sue Smith's gelding was better than all these over hurdles and also handles trip and ground. His trainer will have him well schooled for this and provided he jumps round then he can go very well. Of the others, Untidy Daughter makes most appeal. A staying on third to Bobosh at Market Rasen on debut last time reads well in the context of this race, and with improvement to come for the experience then Graham Lee's mount can get involved here. However, Santa Lucia knows a bit more about this version of the game and can put that to good use and score.
