held up, headway well over 1f out, one pace final furlong
soon led, ridden 2f out, headed close home
always prominent, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead close home
slowly into stride, behind, not clear run on inside well over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
led early, chased leader until 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
in rear, ridden well over 2f out, soon beaten
chased leaders until weakened over 1f out
always behind
Cashel Mead is the pick over Queen Of Night and Byo, with Awake another to consider. Cashel Mead hit winning form last time when overhauling Little Ridge at Southwell in similar company to today's. That was her first win for two years which was all the more commendable as she was trying the minimum trip for the first time since her juvenile days. She deserved that success, having been touched off over six furlongs here the time before, and in her current mood is worth another go over five furlongs, with the promising Richard Kingscote in the saddle. Queen Of Night was in good form in December, but a combination of being tried over a longer trip and a rise in the ratings has contributed to her two subsequent defeats. Her form overall entitles her to be considered, but she will do well to turn the tables on Awake who showed signs of a return to form when ahead of her at Southwell. Byo was unlucky not to collect here in November and will appreciate this company after failing to get competitive in a slightly better affair at Lingfield last time. Quite a few have claims on their best form, but Cashel Mead is in fine heart at present and so gets the vote
