led, jumped left 4th, ridden and headed soon after 2 out, hit last, hung left under pressure flat
mid-division, hit 2nd, chased leader after 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden and lost touch 7th, tailed off 3 out
chased leader, with leader after 3rd, ridden after 3 out, led soon after 2 out, soon headed, kept on same pace
prominent, lost place approaching 3rd, led soon after 2 out, driven out flat
mid-division, ridden behind leaders after 3 out, kept on one pace from 2 out
held up behind, blundered 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, kept on flat
Nonrunner
An open contest where perhaps only Classical Act can be overlooked with any confidence; preference is for hurdling newcomer ELLEN TILLY over Speed Bonnie Boat and Smuglin. Alan King has two in the line-up, with both of interest. Delays Expected was disappointing last time out over three miles but a previous third to Kilbeggan Blade and a midfield finish behind the classy Carole's Legacy mean that she is not a no-hoper. However stablemate Ellen Tilly is intriguing. This daughter of Overbury is stepped up in trip for her hurdling bow and she showed plenty of guts when staying on for victory last time. Smuglin is likely to popular; she ran a blinder behind Carole's Legacy at Ludlow and she was easy to back on that occasion. Romantic Bridge needs to get over a poor run last time, whilst Cherry Flora looks sure to improve on her first hurdling run behind Aussie Deal at Exeter. Speed Bonnie Boat has been the consolation prize for backers so far. She has been placed four times in five runs but this slightly longer trip and heavy ground may be right up her alley. A tough opener, but preference is for Ellen Tilly.
Callerlilly 100-1 (10-5) Led and jumped left, headed 3rd, ridden and joined leaders 3 out, every chance approaching 2 out, no extra from approaching last, 4th of 11, 8l behind Shenanigan (10-5) at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Cherry Flora 11-4 (10-10) In touch, headway to chase leader 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace, 4th of 16, 14l behind Aussie Deal (10-10) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Classical Act 200-1 (10-10) Jumped left and unseated rider in race won by Calusa Crystal (10-10) at Wincanton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Dec, 18 ran.
Delays Expected (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, always towards rear, 11th of 16, well behind Barnhill Brownie (11-12) at Ascot 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Ellen Tilley 3-1fav (10-6) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, chased leader over 3f out, led over 2f out, edged slightly left when strongly pressed just over 1f out, soon switched right, hung left inside final, won at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec beating Vacar.
Romantic Bridge (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Mid-division and weakened 11th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Barnhill Brownie (11-12) at Ascot 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Dec, 16 ran.
Smuglin 12-1 (10-10) In touch, led after 4 out, headed and ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 12, 17l behind Carole's Legacy (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Speed Bonnie Boat 17-2 (11-0) Mid-division, pushed along after 7th, headway under pressure after next, stayed on same pace from 2 out, took 2nd post, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Dancingwithbubbles (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs mdn hdl (4) sft.
