prominent, behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, stayed on to go approaching last, no impression flat
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led, mistake 5th, ridden and headed 2 out, 3rd and no chance when fell last
prominent, weakened after 5th, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
mistake 1st, held up, headway from 5th, one pace and held when hit last
held up, staying on one pace and no chance when left poor 3rd last
in touch, mistake 2nd, effort 5th, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out
prominent, weakened 4th, pulled up before next
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 5th, led 2 out, clear last, stayed on well
prominent, weakened quickly 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, mistake 1st and 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
This isn't as competitive as the numbers suggest and although useful flat handicapper Tanaji is respected, Artemise is taken to provide Alan King with another winner. Runner-up to the Venetia Williams-trained Kindle Ball at Southwell, this is something of a drop in class for the mare and with this stiffer track expected to suit, she is taken to get off the mark. Tanaji, the winner of a 10-furlong maiden at Ripon last year for Ben Hanbury, had looked something of a difficult ride and has since proved disappointing in handicaps. From the same family as the high-class pair Batshoof and King Of Kings, I doubt if she was bred with a hurdling career in mind. Di's Dilemma shaped quite well behind easy winner Henrietta over course and distance and seems certain to go well, but Island Fortress will need to improve on her debut, also over course and distance. However, the latter could well be sharper with that outing under her belt and is one to keep an eye on in the market, but Artemise has the form in the book and it will be something of a surprise if she can't take this.