tracked leaders, pushed along 3 out, weakened flat
tracked winner, ridden 2 out, kept on one pace
made all, set very steady pace, increased pace 7th, ridden 2 out, ran on
close up, mainly raced very wide, headway 3 out, ridden next, no impression flat
Question marks against all in a riddle of a race. Kentford Mallard gained her sole hurdling success from 18 attempts in 2018 but still looks the most reliable here and holds Howdilyoudo on their running behind Sainte Doctor at Newton Abbot this month. However, the trip is a concern for both and TERRAFIRMA LADY is preferred. Not only is she proven over the trip but has greater scope after just five starts over timber, the best of which was a sound effort when a Wincanton third in December. Ben Haslam has a superb record with the JP McManus horses he receives from other yards but it seems that the penny is still waiting to drop for France De Reve.
France De Reve (FR) 40-1 (11-4) Raced wide prominent, weakened quickly and pulled up approaching 7th, at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in May.
Terrafirma Lady (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, bit closer out wide and hit 4 out, ridden and weakened on long run before next, 7th of 14, 15l behind Miss Honey Ryder (12-1) at Taunton 3m hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Howdilyoudo (IRE) 18-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, niggled along and outpaced 4 out, ridden and weakened after 2 out, 6th of 13, 18 3/4l behind Sainte Doctor (11-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 2f hcp (5) gd in May.
Kentford Mallard 7-2 (10-10) Held up in rear, no impression when went badly right 2 out, 6th of 12, 22 1/4l behind Getaway Lucy (10-2) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in May.
