tracked leader, ridden in 3rd and outpaced approaching 2 out, kept on on approaching last, no impression
tracked leaders and keen, mistake 8th, chased winner approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on flat, always held by winner
led, mistake 7th, headed approaching 8th, weakened 9th, pulled up before 2 out tailed off
held up in rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 7th, led next, kept on well from last
held up in touch, took closer order 2nd, hit 6th, dropped to rear, chased leaders approaching 3 out, ridden next, soon weakened
Only one of these arrives at their top of their game and that horse, CHICAGO ALLEY, gets the vote to beat Cordier and Ruby Valentine in a race that will take very little winning. Chicago Alley has been in good form this year having followed up a second with a fine win last time, when she galloped on relentlessly to score. She's up 12lbs in the ratings following that effort and takes a drop in trip, two factors that combine to ensure she's far from a certainty, but such is the lack of strength in the race this mare has to get the vote. Cordier was beaten plenty far enough last time but looks well-treated on his second to Carrietau in November as he now races off a 4lb lower mark. However, his only successes have come on the all-weather and he seems to be better with some cut on the turf, so today's conditions may not play entirely to his strengths. Ruby Valentine has won here at Bangor, albeit over further, and makes her chasing debut off what would appear to be a fair mark. She's very much the dark horse of the contest and a market check is advised. Winged Farasi has struggled since winning at Cartmel last year and seems to prefer some give whilst Star Tenor hasn't been fluent since sent over fences so this is best left to the in-form mare Chicago Alley.
Winged Farasi 28-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, weakened after 5th, tailed off from 2 out, 7th of 10, 15l behind Crosby Jemma (11-3) at Huntingdon 2m ldys hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
Chicago Alley 7-2fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 11th, led 2 out, in command last, came clear flat, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs beating Bertenbar (11-0) by 9l, 8 ran.
Cordier 5-1 (10-2) Prominent, driven to challenge 4 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 7, 46l behind The Kealshore Kid (10-13) at Southwell 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Star Tenor (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) In rear, blundered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Gringo (11-3) at Perth 2m nov chs (2) gs, 5 ran.
Ruby Valentine (FR) 10-1 (10-8) In touch, hit 4th, ridden and weakened 6th, tailed off, 4th of 13, 38l behind Ban Uisce (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Feb.
