mid-division, headway halfway, challenged 3f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 6f out, soon struggling
held up, ridden 6f out, soon struggling
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace
held up mid-division, weakened well over 2f out
led, ridden and headed 4f out, soon outpaced
chased leaders, led 4f out, drew clear over 1f out
held up, driven 6f out, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 5f out, never dangerous
towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden over 3f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, lost place over 3f out
chased leaders, outpaced over 5f out, stayed on final 2f
The market should provide the clues in this tricky finale but Sea Venture, Cloone Rocket and Partly Cloudy are on our shortlist with Sea Venture given the narrow vote. The selection was disappointing last time but he had run well on his debut on fast ground and nominal improvement from that effort should see him in the shake-up today. Cloone Rocket is interesting as he showed promise on his debut at Leopardstown in a race that has worked out well. He failed to build on that last time but this faster ground should suit him and if there is market support then it could pay to take the hint for this Irish raider. Partly Cloudy is an interesting newcomer from a local trainer so again the market should be monitored in relation to his chance. A similar comment would apply to the other stable representative Cash For Honours. However, we will stick with Sea Venture as our idea of the winner.
Cassius (IRE) Pistolet Bleu gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Open Range.
Ice Image (IRE) Darnay gelding out of Ice Trix.
Kirkstall Selkirk gelding, half-brother to winners up to 1m3f and over jumps including smart hurdler Julius Caesar.
Millies Lad Whittingham gelding out of 6f-1m6f winner Goodbye Millie.
Mr Minster Moss Minster Son gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Noquina (FR) Epervier Bleu gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Partly Cloudy Cloudings gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Piscataqua 15-2 (11-2) Towards rear, raced wide on stable bend, weakened over 5f out, 8th of 15, 33l behind Sir Boreas Hawk (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd in Jan.
Sea Venture (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 15, 31l behind Massasoit (10-12) at Catterick 2m mdn nhf (5) hvy in Feb.
Star Player (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, effort over 4f out, never dangerous, 6th of 12, 19l behind Kealshore Boy (11-1) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Abstinence (IRE) Spectrum gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Cabbyl Doo Killer Instinct colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Daggers Canyon.
Cash For Honours City Honours gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Just For Fun.
Nodforms Paula (IRE) Rashar gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Longstone Lady & winning chaser Cansalrun.
Red O'Donnell (IRE) Presenting gelding out of an unraced mare.
Young Alf Balnibarbi gelding out of winning hurdler Sciacca.
Lucinda Lamb 10-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, headway 4f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 17, 4l behind Valentines Lady (10-9) at Wetherby 2m mrs nhf (6) sft in Nov.
Cloone Rocket (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Led, clear early, headed and dropped to 3rd over 3f out, no extra and weakened straight, 3rd of 10, well behind Aranleigh (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m nhf hvy in Jan.
Esprit de Feu (FR) Video Rock gelding, half-brother to winning miler Escoduc and numerous winners over jumps.
