tracked leader, ridden 2 out, no extra approaching last
behind until kept on from 2 out, never nearer
led, driven 2 out, 5 lengths clear last, ridden and headed final 150 yards, no extra
in touch, outpaced 3 out, ridden after next, went 2nd after last, ran on well to lead final 150 yards, soon clear
in touch, lost place 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, chased leader 3 out, ridden and no impression from next
mid-division, lost place 3 out, soon behind
not fluent 1st, in touch, ridden and lost place 3 out, soon weakened
held up, towards rear, some headway when hit 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms
The selection is Coach Lane ahead of mainly Lyes Green. Coach Lane showed enough over hurdles last season, including when second at Plumpton on his latest start, to be considered here in a modest race and, with his stable in form, looks set to go well. Lyes Green rates a big danger as he improved for the step up in trip to finish second at Wincanton last time. He rates a big danger. Iloveturtle showed some promise last season but two efforts this time around have not inspired confidence, while Majorca, a winner on the Flat for John Gosden, is surely better than he has shown so far over hurdles. Based on Flat form, Southern Bazaar might go well at a price, while Perfect Balance showed some promise on the Flat. True To Yourself was lowly rated on the Flat but at least has an all-weather win to his name, as does Vrisaki, while Lingfield maiden winner Maria Bonita can't be ruled out in a modest race. Finally, the lightly raced Secret Jewel has also shown enough on the Flat to be given some consideration, although her best efforts came in headgear. For the selection, though, we return to Coach Lane.
Coach Lane 9-4fav (10-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 5th, ridden 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Gift Voucher (10-12) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Iloveturtle (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Held up, pushed along approaching 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Red Perk (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 7f cnd nov hcp hdl (E) sft in Oct, 8 ran.
Lyes Green 16-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway after 7th, ridden and challenged after 2 out, every chance last, ran on but not pace of winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Denman (10-11) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (E) gd in Oct.
Majorca 20-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 18l behind Constable Burton (11-1) at Perth 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Sept.
Perfect Balance (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Never better than mid-division, 13th of 19, well behind Habitual Dancer (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gd in Dec.
True To Yourself (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Prominent, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 14, 12l behind Kentucky Bullet (9-0) at Southwell 1m 3f stk (7) fbs in Oct (Flat).
Vrisaki (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Prominent, led over 6f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 40l behind Woolstone Boy (8-11) at Southwell 1m 4f stk (7) fbs in Oct (Flat).
Maria Bonita (IRE) 50-1 (9-13) Always towards rear, badly hampered 9th, never a factor, 4th of 8, 27l behind Thedublinpublican (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gd in Sept.
