held up in mid-division, pushed along 11th, outpaced next
held up in mid-division, pushed along and lost place 8th, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up in rear, headway halfway, effort 4 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, behind when pulled up before last
held up towards rear, headway under pressure 11th, soon ridden and no impression
held up, headway and in touch 2nd, weakened 11th
tracked winner, ridden 2 out, no chance
made all, clear 9th, challenged
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, outpaced when hit 3 out, regained 3rd next, no impresson
behind from halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
Santa Lucia, the only recent winner in the line-up, can make that count against Virgin Soldier and Carew in this beginner's chase. Trained on the level by Michael Dods, for whom she was successful twice at Hamilton, Santa Lucia has not set the world alight at the jumping game but has picked up two wins over timber, the latest in claiming company at Perth. By all accounts she has schooled very well over fences and the booking of Richard Johnson catches the eye. In addition she gets five pounds from Virgin Soldier, a quite useful dual-purpose performer in his time, but who has not looked a natural in his two starts over fences, having failed to complete on both occasions. A clear round would see him go close but we would prefer to wait until he impresses us more than he has done. Carew was flattered by his proximity to Ceresfield at Cartmel on his chase debut but will appreciate the step up in trip and holds Carew on that running, while Kilmore King is still on a learning curve. All in all, Santa Lucia is the best bet to make a successful chasing debut.
