in touch in rear, ridden halfway, no impression final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
slow into stride, tracked leaders after 1f, ridden halfway, led 1f out, ran on
keen with leader, led halfway, ridden and headed 1f out, kept on one pace
led until ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
BELLA OPHELIA completed a C&D hat-trick earlier this month with her most impressive victory so far and is improving with every run. Hughie Morrison's filly is worth sticking with until beaten and should have no trouble confirming superiority with the re-opposing Ishiamiracle. Bookiesindexdotnet finished ahead of Wicked Wench at Kempton in December, though the latter is fancied to reverse running on this surface, but the biggest threat to the selection could come from Carlisle winner I'll Be Good. He makes his all-weather debut today but ended last season in fine form and there should be more to come this year.
I'll Be Good 9-4fav (8-13) Prominent, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, kept on and held close home, 2nd of 6, hd behind Free Zone (9-7) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Bella Ophelia (IRE) 11-8fav (9-6) Broke smartly, led 1f, eased back, prominent, led over 1f out, pushed out, comfortably, won at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Reve du Jour (8-11) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Wicked Wench 3-1 (8-11) Disputed 2nd, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 5, 3 1/2l behind Verbeeck (9-7) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Bookiesindexdotnet 10-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, never on terms, 4th of 7, 6l behind Sonko (9-7) at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Ishiamiracle 7-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 4, 5l behind Bella Ophelia (8-2) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Feb.