held up, ridden and headway 6f out, no impression from over 3f out
tracked winner, ridden over 3f out, one pace
tracked leaders and keen, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, lost place 6f out, stayed on final 2f
held up, ridden halfway, tailed off from over 4f out
held up, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden halfway, tailed off 4f out
made all, ridden over 2f out, just held on
mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, chased winner over 2f out, stayed on well towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, chased winner from over 4f out, one pace final 2f
always behind, weakend from 6f out, tailed off
held up mid-division, weakened 6f out, tailed off from over 4f out
In the finale, the vote goes to Harbour Breeze ahead of Barton Belle, Spitfire Sortie and, possibly, Ellerslie Jackie. Harbour Breeze showed plenty of promise when second to the Cheltenham Festival also-ran Shady Willow at Punchestown on his debut and rates as a major player today. That said, Barton Belle created a very favourable impression on her winning course-and-distance debut, and she is respected. Well-bred, Spitfire Sortie has had his problems, but he also has talent, as his debut win at Newcastle can testify and his chance, too, is respected. Aldea looks held based on that Newcastle form and Ever So Slightly is likeably bred, but he looks to be Sue Smith's second string based on jockey bookings. Kherrs Whin has shown some promise but has yet to race on this type of going, while Pencil House rates as an interesting newcomer. That last comment also applies to Scribano Eile and Ellerslie Jackie, who could be interesting, while, as a previous winner, Wolds Way gets a mention; however, our vote goes to Harbour Breeze.
Spitfire Sortie (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Held up, headway halfway, led 3f out, clear approaching final furlong, very easily, won at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Nevertika (11-4) by 8l, 11 ran.
Aldea (FR) 7-2 (10-8) Tracked leaders, weakened 4f out, 6th of 11, 30l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Ever So Slightly (IRE) Good Thyne gelding, half-brother to an Irish point-to-point winner.
Scribano Eile (IRE) (11-9) fell at the 3rd in race won by Joyful Jack (12-0) at Maralin 3m ire ptp sft in Nov, 5 ran.
Wolds Way 22-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway halfway, ridden 4f out, hung left, weakened 3f out, 4th of 20, 12l behind Night Safe (11-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Barton Belle 5-2fav (10-12) In touch, led on bit over 2f out, soon clear, eased towards finish, won at Wetherby 1m 6f mrs nhf (5) sft in Jan beating Ruby Joy (10-5) by 12l, 14 ran.
Monica Rose Defacto mare, half sister to hurdles/bumper winner Marmaduke Jinks.
Harbour Breeze (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, progress 4f out, 3rd and ridden 3f out, 2nd and no impression straight, 2nd of 18, 7l behind Shady Willow (11-2) at Punchestown 2m nhf gs in Feb.
