held up, headway and not much room 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, ran on well to lead close home
with leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, led over 3f out, clear and ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra close home
held up, headway on inside 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not much room near finish
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out
prominent on outside, ridden over 2f out, ran on inside furlong final
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, headway over 3f out, one-paced final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 3f out, headway on outside over 3f out, ran on well inside final furlong
A low grade, but quite competitive sprint. Smart Hostess sets the standard and looks to have been given a fine chance by the Handicapper, who has dropped her a couple of pounds for getting beaten in a better race than this last time. That was her first outing since September, so she can be expected to prove much sharper here and looks the one to beat. Rita's Rock Ape is something of a five-furlong specialist and is of no interest at this trip, but Fiamma Royale will be a live danger if she can reproduce her latest effort behind Rafters Music. She can run off the same mark here, but it is interesting that her jockey that day Tony Culhane has chosen to partner Omaimah for Mick Channon. Omaimah certainly showed improved form last time when chasing home the progressive Roy MaAvoy at Lingfield and if she is as effective here, must go well. Chorus has form over course and distance and will be all the better for her recent outing. She is well treated on old form and is one to keep an eye on.
