tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, led next, went right last, ridden out
held up, headway 5th, weakened 3 out
in touch, ridden after 5th, stayed on from 2 out, went 2nd last, no further impression on winner
in touch, mistake 4th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next
tracked leader, led after 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders, ridden to lead briefly approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next
led until after 5th, weakened after 3 out
SPARKLING MONTJEU had a two stone pull in the weights when winning at Catterick last week, and has to defy a penalty in this trappy opener, but we think she can do that, with the main dangers likely to be Amouretta and Red And White. George Baker was reported to have said following Sparkling Montjeu's success that she's not very good but she's tough. That was in a lower grade seller, but there doesn't seem to be too much to beat here. Venetia Williams' string are in fine form, and although Red And White has shown some ability in testing conditions, she'll find this more to her liking. Placed once over hurdles, she does look to have a race within her. Amouretta has struggled in heavy going so will also find this more to her liking, and the drop in grade would be another positive. None of them have great form, but we'll side with Sparkling Montjeu.
Sparkling Montjeu (IRE) 10-3fav (10-0) Chased leaders, ridden and hit 5th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Catterick 2m sll hdl (5) gd beating Mount Benger (12-1) by a nk, 16 ran.
Amouretta 100-1 (10-2) Soon in last pair, ridden and struggling from 3 out, 6th of 7, 22l behind Santia (11-1) at Ascot 2m mrs nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
Bosamcliff (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Chased leader, led approaching 7th, ducked left and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 27l behind Valleyofthedolls (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Hardly Humble Humbel filly out of Simply Susie.
Mistress Eva 12-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, hit 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 10, well behind Swainson (10-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Feb.
Red And White (IRE) 8-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, lost place after 4 out, 6th of 9, 10l behind Loco Grande (10-4) at Bangor 2m 1f 4yo nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Feb.
Rock Exhibition 20-1 (10-5) Took keen hold early, always behind, 10th of 15, 44l behind Silk Hall (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
She Is A Cracker (FR) 16-1 (10-4) Held up, always in rear, 10th of 11, well behind Ski Sunday (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb.
Tessie Bear 50-1 (8-7) In touch, weaknened over 2f out, last of 4, 13l behind Straight And Level (8-12) at Lingfield 1m nov stk (5) pol in Dec '07 (Flat).
