soon chasing leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
held up, not clear run over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, lost place 3f out, rallied final furlong, stayed on towards finish
keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, 1 pace well inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 1f out, no impression
held up in rear, ridden entering final furlong, ran on towards finish
Thirsk disappointment Smiddy Hill is taken to bounce back to winning form in this wide open nursery, with Katie Boo and Piper Lily the principal dangers. Michael Bell's Key Secret is undefeated in two starts and catches the eye receiving weight from most of her rivals, but her latest win at Leicester was in a claimer and there appear to be better alternatives. Katie Boo ran well in third at Hamilton last time in a race which may work out quite well and is progressing in the right direction but is held by Smiddy Hill on earlier York running. Topweight Piper Lily was well beaten last time in a conditions contest at Windsor, but this looks more within her compass. She won in game fashion at Haydock the time before, but has been saddled with nine stone seven and that may anchor her. Smiddy Hill was backed as if defeat was out of the question at York two outings ago and although beaten at Thirsk last time, the rain may have got into the ground more than the official going description suggests and that run is forgiven. Nicely drawn in stall four, Smiddy Hill has the assistance of Royston Ffrench who rode a double on Wednesday, and the combination looks a winning one.
