pulled hard, tracked leader, led 3 out, soon clear, comfortably
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, chased winner approaching last, one pace
held up, headway in every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
took keen hold, led, hit 3rd, reminded after 5th, ridden and headed when mistake 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
De Blanc confirmed her promise on her debut at Newbury to score readily at Stratford on only her second start over hurdles. It was a big shock to see her beaten last time out at Exeter when sent off 4/1 on favourite. She had every chance turning for home that day until hanging badly right handed, but was soundly beaten by one of the rank outsiders into third place and cannot be offered as an excuse for her defeat. Having said that she looks to have picked an easy contest here. The John Mackie trained Impish Jude is rather more exposed with two wins from twenty six runs to her name. Her last win came at the beginning of December at Hereford on soft ground and with the drying ground conditions and her recent lack of form she would really have to be at the top of her game to score here. Of the others Correct And Right and Not To Be Missed are both worth a mention. Correct And Right has not seen a race course since April of last year, but has some winning form to her credit and has run well first time out before. It is still of concern though. Not To Be Missed will have to be at her best to get placed here. She did manage a second at Hereford last September but has struggled since in similar company to this. Not the best race in the world and can go to the hands of the novice De Blanc