held up, headway on outer to lead over 3f out, driven and edged right over 1f out, headed and no extra close home
held up behind leaders, ridden along over 4f out, one pace final 2f
soon led, headed over 3f out, soon beaten
in touch, ridden along and outpaced over 2f out, ran on final furlong to lead close home
steadied at start, took keen hold in rear, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
LADY LONGCROFT is likely to be at short odds to despatch Quick Off The Mark and Gamesters Lady. Jeff Pearce's string have been a force to be reckoned with in recent weeks and she landed an uncompetitive maiden at odds of 2/7 at the track. The punters learnt nothing new about her and the handicapper has been sensible in only putting her up 2lb in the handicap as a consequence. Quick Off The Mark has solid claims on the back of a second to Mozayada at the course in January. The step up in trip doesn't appear an obvious move on breeding so the market must be watched. Gamesters Lady is a winner at Wolverhampton over the trip though will be making a debut on the fibresand this afternoon. Friends Hope wins in her turn though might need to drop into plating company at her age. Casino Night was in great form on the turf though will be returning from absence. Princess Cocoa has first time cheekpieces. Lady Longcroft is in good nick at present and may conceivably be well treated.
Friends Hope 14-1 (8-7) Soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 6l behind King's Head (8-9) at Kempton 1m 3f clm (6) pol.
Quick Off The Mark 7-1 (8-4) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Teasing (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f fll hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Casino Night 17-2 (8-8) In touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, no progress, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 10l behind Blues Minor (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Gamesters Lady 9-2 (8-12) Led, headed over 8f out, led again over 6f out, headed 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 15l behind Bluebell Ridge (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 4f fll hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Lady Longcroft 2-7fav (8-12) Steadied at start, held up in rear, smooth headway to lead well over 1f out, shaken up and quickened clear, comfortably, won at Southwell 1m 4f mdn aut stk (6) fbs beating My Mate Granite (9-6) by 7l, 4 ran.
Princess Cocoa (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Prominent, went 2nd 6f out, led over 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 7l behind New Star (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (4) pol.