made virtually all, ridden 2f out, stayed on well to go clear final furlong
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, went 2nd inside final 3f, no impression when flashed tail and edged left under pressure over 1f out
pressed winner until pushed along 3f out, soon lost 2nd, weakened inside final 2f
off the pace in 5th, headway into 3rd 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
None of these have raced on the Fibresand before but QUEEN OF ALL represents last year’s winning yard. Richard Hughes’ filly made a winning start over 7f at Kempton in November when giving the impression this extra distance would suit and an apprentice’s allowance negates a penalty. Royal Astronomer’s improved effort at Wolverhampton came over a longer trip while Hill Hollow has placed twice over a mile but has to concede plenty of weight to the younger horses. That includes the likely improver Mesmeric and the newcomer Shining Aitch.
Queen Of All 14-1 (9-0) Awkwardly away, close up, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead towards finish, won going away, won at Kempton 7f fll stks (6) pol in Nov beating Buy Me Back (9-0) by 2l, 12 ran.
Mesmeric (GER) 5-1 (9-3) Got loose in paddock, chased leader until ran wide and weakened on home turn, 5th of 6, 7l behind Wise Eagle (9-5) at Lingfield 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
Royal Astronomer 16-1 (9-2) Mid-division, driven to chase leaders when switched inside over 1f out, went 2nd and kept on inside final furlong, never troubled winner, 2nd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Punting (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (4) pol in Dec.
Shining Aitch Sepoy gelding out of Light Shine.
Hill Hollow (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Led 7f out until 5f out, chased leader, in front again 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd and outpaced in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 3/4l behind Plantadream (9-5) at Kempton 1m stks (5) pol in Jan.
