A weak maiden in which any of the six may win however it is the most consistent runner Alecia who is taken to oblige; Botham is taken to chase her home. Andrew Balding's filly has gone close on her two most recent runs and this could be the easiest task that she has faced so far. Mind you she is no good thing and if she can't win this then connections may try the selling route. Botham ran a better race when stepped up in trip last time and may find this intermediate trip to his liking. Lough Beg has a first British start to day and could go well; the market should help guide there. Last Chance Dance and George Hanson are both at least unexposed and should not be overlooked, however it is Alecia who is fancied to deliver the goods at last.
Lough Beg (IRE) 16-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, 11th and headway early straight, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 21, 4 1/2l behind Luzdeluna (9-6) at Leopardstown 1m 1f hcp 0-70 gf in Nov.
Botham (USA) 14-1 (8-2) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, kept on under pressure to take 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Victory Quest (8-9) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Bothar Brugha (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Started very slowly, took keen hold in rear, headway to track leader after 3f, ridden and lost place 3f out, weakened 2f out, last of 10, 19l behind Fresh Mint (8-13) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Nov.
George Henson (IRE) 66-1 (8-11) Slowly away, outpaced, 18th of 19, 19l behind Mr Napper Tandy (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct '06.
Alecia (IRE) 2-1 (8-9) With leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on gamely and just denied, 2nd of 7, hd behind Maiden Investor (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Last Chance Dance 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden in 6th 2f out, kept on, 5th 1f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 14, 8l behind Green Tobasco (9-8) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn stk std.
