made virtually all, quickened after 3 out, hit 2 out, ridden approaching last, finished tired
held up towards rear, ridden every 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out, took 2nd flat, nearest finish
held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
saddle slipped and pulled up after 2nd
mid-division, ridden before 9th and soon weakened
held up in mid-division, lost touch 8th, pulled up before 9th
chased leader, weakened before 8th, pulled up before 9th
mid-division, ridden and headway 9th, stayed on one pace from last
in touch, ridden and chased winner 3 out, one pace
prominent, ridden and mistake 8th, weakened 9th, pulled up before 2 out
held up in mid-division, ridden 9th, soon weakened
held up last, ridden after 3 out, stayed on one pace
prominent, ridden and chased winner 8th, mistake 9th, weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden after 3 out, stayed on for 2 out
always towards rear, ridden 9th, no impression
prominent, ridden 9th, weakened 3 out
This is pretty modest stuff with a shortlist cobbled together of Sword Lady, Broadbrook Lass, Starry Mary, Purple Patch and Arctic Glow, with a tentative vote going to Starry Mary. The best case for the defence of the selection's chances that I can put together is that the best of her November 2004 and January 2005 form puts her in the picture from her current mark. Her rider is not too bad either, which counts for a good deal in this type of contest. Purple Patch has a fairly similar profile, which brings her into things, while much as Sword Lady has failed to show a great deal since defeating The Bar Maid at Towcester 11 months ago, she has first-time blinkers on today. Much as Broadbrook Lass has won two of her last four races, they have been over fences, although the fact that she is rated 17lbs lower over hurdles than she is over fences means that she has to be considered. Arctic Glow won a course and distance seller off a five-pound lower mark two runs ago when dropped to this grade for the first time and, in what as we say is a weakish race, has to be considered again. Finally, Classic China could attract support and do not dismiss the chance of Lady Of Lisle, despite the fact that she is racing from ten pounds out of the weights. Overall, though, we are happy enough to side with Starry Mary.
Sword Lady 12-1 Soon pushed along in rear, lost touch and pulled up at the 6th in race won by He's The Guv'nor at Towcester 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gs in Jan, 13 ran.
Diletia 7-1 Held up in touch, not fluent and reminders 6th, ridden 7th, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 44l behind Kim Fontenail at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov chs (E) gd in Dec.
Longstone Lady (IRE) 8-1 In touch, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 9l behind Field Roller at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Tirikumba 7-1 Held up, headway approaching 7th, weakened 2 out, 5th of 11, 13l behind Mrs Pickles at Hereford 2m 3f amt hcp hdl (F) sft.
Broadbrook Lass 10-3fav Led until approaching 5 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind El Hombre Del Rio at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (D) hvy in Jan.
Red Dahlia 13-2 Held up, close up but under pressure 3 out, no extra after next, 5th of 7, 9l behind Misbehaviour at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) sft in Jan.
Arctic Glow 9-2 Mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out, behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Rosetown at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (F) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
