took keen hold, tracked leader, led 3 out, soon headed, weakened before next
tracked leaders on inside, challenged after 3 out, led before last, nearly 1 length up flat, held on
made most until 3 out, weakened before next
tracked leaders, switched right after last bend, led after 3 out, headed before last, nearly 1 length down flat, stayed on towards finish
Nonrunner
Interesting that Gordon Elliott takes time out from racking up the quickest hundred in Irish racing history to send just one runner here in the form of Lilywhite Gesture. However, she only boasts a record of 1-17 over hurdles and COOL BARANCA is preferred in the hope that the ground will not worsen further as she would not want it deeper than soft. She gets on really well with Emma Sayer and the combination arrives in good form after a smooth Kelso success last time. A rise of 9lb seems harsh but hopefully she can defy the assessor. Young Lou is not ruled out off bottom weight but Midnight Silver looks a better option for the short-list if ready for this first outing since March.
Cowslip 7-1 (11-6) Led, pulled hard, not fluent 4 out, headed after next, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 7, dist behind Zara Hope (10-10) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Midnight Silver 7-4fav (11-4) Led, ridden and headed after 2 out, 3rd and beaten when jumped left last, no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 14 1/4l behind Vicky's Charm (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Binowagh Bay (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Rear of mid-division, 12th halfway, pushed along in 9th before 3 out, no impression approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 8th of 17, 21 3/4l behind Wolfslair (11-8) at Down Royal 2m 6f hcp gd in Nov.
Lilywhite Gesture (IRE) 9-2 (10-5) Held up, in touch, ridden before 3 out, never dangerous, 4th of 7, 8l behind Very Extravagant (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Young Lou 9-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, not fluent 1st, ridden after 8th, well beaten from next, 7th of 8, dist behind Thoonavolla (11-10) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (5) gf in May.
Cool Baranca (GER) 5-1 (10-3) In rear, headway after 3 out, led before last, ran on strongly, won at Kelso 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct beating Big River (11-12) by 3 1/4l, 10 ran.