The admirable LA ESTRELLA was winning for the ninth time in the last year when scoring over 1m6f here recently. Don Cantillon's charge looks the one to beat again despite the shorter trip as he had today's rival Country Road five lengths behind in second and the remainder of today's opposition have plenty to find at the weights. With the exception of Halla San that is, but Richard Fahey's veteran stayer hasn't raced since last June and 2008 was the last time he won a race.
Halla San 22-1 (9-2) Held up mid-division, weakened over 5f out, tailed off, 16th of 17, well behind Swingkeel (9-2) at Royal Ascot 2m 6f stks (2) sft in Jun.
La Estrella (USA) 2-7fav (9-11) Held up, headway over 3f out, led 1f out, pushed clear, comfortably, won at Wolverhampton 1m 6f clm stks (6) pol in Jan beating Country Road (9-1) by 5l, 7 ran.
Novikov 28-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, lost place over 3f out, weakened 2f out, last of 8, 40l behind Inspirina (8-11) at Chester 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun '10.
Alubari 6-1 (9-6) Settled in rear of mid-division well off clear leaders, closer entering straight, no impression from 1 1/2f out, 8th of 14, 7l behind Home Secretary (10-0) at Dundalk 1m 4f Handicap (60-75) (3yo+) pol in Dec.
Country Road (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Led early, tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, led 2f out, ridden, edged left and headed 1f out, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 7, 5l behind La Estrella (9-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f clm stks (6) pol in Jan.
Spin Cast 9-2 (8-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 2 1/4l behind Spinning Ridge (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 4yo clm stks 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
