in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong
led 2f, chased leader after, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, headway between horses entering final 2f, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, not pace to challenge
pulled hard, led 5f out, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, nearest finish
Nonrunner
CUMANA BAY is the selection with Perfect Class and Mr Willis the others of note. Richard Hannon's team have hit the ground running of late and topweighted Cumana Bay is interesting in this grade. A late season winner as a juvenile, she has taken some time to come to hand and the fact that connections elect to go for the racing rather than the breeding paddocks could speak volumes. Perfect Class won off a mark of 58 at Kempton in January. It remains to be seen as to whether she'll act going this way around. Mr Willis was well punted ahead of his visit to a Lingfield nursery on New Year's Eve and he did not disappoint those backers. Imperial Skylight just failed under positive tactics and the suspicion is now that the handicapper has his number. Spinight does not help himself by racing keenly. That said, his run behind Woolston Ferry in a claimer reads well in the context of this race. Sarasota Sunshine confirmed earlier promise with a success in February. There could be more to come. There are plenty of unexposed types in this field so the market vibes will be very informative. In the absence of them, Cumana Bay is the recommendation.
Cumana Bay 15-2 (9-5) Mid-division, kept on from over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Belated Silver (9-2) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Imperial Skylight 9-2 (8-7) Led, ridden 2f out, stayed on gamely under pressure inside final furlong, led post, 2nd of 9, ns behind Kiss A Prince (8-13) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Mr Willis 11-10fav (9-5) Tracking leaders and always going well, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec beating Song Of Praise (9-7) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Perfect Class 9-4fav (9-3) Chased leaders on inside, stayed on to chase winner 1f out, stayed on, gaining towards finish, just held, 2nd of 8, hd behind Song Of Praise (9-2) at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Spinight (IRE) 11-4 (8-4) Started slowly, towards rear, headway on outside to chase leaders 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, all out, caught final strides, 2nd of 6, hd behind Woolston Ferry (9-6) at Lingfield 7f 3yo clm stks (6) pol.
Commandingpresence (USA) 20-1 (8-10) Steadied start, pulled hard in rear, ridden and outpaced 2f out, never dangerous, last of 7, 9l behind Bickersten (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Sarasota Sunshine 4-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on strongly to lead final strides, won at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb beating River Rye (9-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Invincible Miss (IRE) 9-4 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Brer Rabbit (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
