led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
tracked leader,weakened over 3f out
prominent, weakened 4f out
soon chasing leader, when saddle slipped, pulled up after 6f
held up in mid-division, stayed on final 3f, no impression
in touch, went 2nd 4f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, lost place 6f out
held up in touch, headway 4f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, one pace
held up mid-division, ridden 6f out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off over 4f out, pulled up final furlong
held up mid-division, ridden 6f out, outpaced 4f out
held up in touch, good headway to track leaders over 3f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Maggie Mathias can see off the other penalised runners Issaquah and Bebedash, with Zaffarella, Tinto Verano and Lucinda Lamb all worth a mention. Maggie Mathias produced a most likeable performance when slamming her rivals at Taunton last time, and should have a bright future when put over timber. In the meantime, she can improve again here to beat Hexham scorer Issaquah, who to be fair, did nothing wrong either. Nor did Bebedash who made all at Lingfield, although she might just be taken off her feet today. Of the rest, Zaffarella shaped nicely when runner-up at Market Rasen, while Valentines Lady is by Jessica One who was quite useful. Lucinda Lamb has a superb pedigree, being by Kayf Tara out of that decent mare Caroline Lamb who is a half-sister to Burns. She will be worth plenty if placed to win one or two races, but for now we prefer the claims of Maggie Mathias.
Bebedash 15-2 (10-11) Made all, clear 2f out, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 2m nhf (6) gs beating Young Gary (11-1) by 6l, 4 ran.
Issaquah (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, stayed on strongly, won at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (5) gs beating Riverbank Rainbow (10-12) by 4l, 17 ran.
Aradnak (IRE) 50-1 (10-8) Soon prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 10th of 11, well behind Sunshine Rays (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (H) gf in May '04.
Lucinda Lamb 13-2 (10-0) Held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 5f out, kept on same pace final 3f, no impression, 3rd of 12, 17l behind Camden George (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in May.
Tinto Verano (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, pushed along and lost place halfway, stayed on final 3f, 4th of 17, 7l behind Issaquah (10-9) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (5) gs.
Valentines Lady (IRE) Zaffaran mare out of hurdles and bumper winner Jessica One.
Zaffarella (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Mid-division, headway to challenge over 3f out, every chance final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Super Nick (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Oct.
Maggie Mathias (IRE) 11-8fav (9-13) Pulled early and chased leader, led after 4f, ridden and quickened 3f out, clear final furlong, comfortably, won at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gd beating Fountain Fortune (11-2) by 5l, 7 ran.
