held up towards rear, pushed along and headway 6th, chased leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out
with leader till mistake 7th, ridden to chase 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ran on after last
held up in touch and mistakes, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out
held up behind, headway 6th, ridden and weakened soon after, pulled up before 3 out
held up rear, effort after 6th, weakened next, behind when pulled up before 2 out
in touch till weakened 7th, hung left until pulled up approaching last
led, ridden 3 out, challenged and headed approaching 2 out, no extra flat
Motcombe is the narrow pick in a wide-open mares' only handicap, with Rakassa, Glenogue, Aifung and Sword Lady just a few more to consider. Unlike some of the other races on the card, this is a really hard one to call, and it is more in hope than optimism that Motcombe is selected. Robert Alner has his team ticking over nicely at present, and with Andy Thornton back in the saddle in time for Cheltenham next week, she should go well. The mare was always playing second fiddle to Our Dream at Chepstow last month but showed that she does not mind testing conditions, and this slight step up in trip should suit. Rakassa surely did not run up to her mark when beaten by Wimbledonian at Folkestone and is a consistent sort who will again no doubt be involved in the finish. Glenogue is improving slowly and has a future over fences, while Aifung falls into the same category but has been absent since winning narrowly at Newton Abbot last summer. Sword Lady cannot be discounted as she is already a winner here, and she will appreciate the stiff finish. However, in receipt of seven pounds, Motcombe is the pick.
