in touch, ridden along over 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f
prominent, ridden along and outpaced over 3f out, driven and stayed on towards finish
led, pushed along over 4f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
held up behind leaders, pushed along over 5f out, effort when weakening over 2f out
in touch, pushed along over 4f out, driven and one pace final 2f
towards rear, reminders over 6f out, never a factor
behind, pushed along over 5f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Baltic Princess can beat her mainly older rivals here including Charlotte Vale, Halla San and Aleron. Stamina is not an issue with the majority of today's line-up, with most having been tried over hurdles as well. One that has not is Baltic Princess, but the Mark Johnston stable has been ticking over nicely during the winter months, and so she will surely lack for nothing in fitness. The daughter of Peinte Celebre was a very creditable third in the Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap on her last visit to the racecourse in July, and if she gets into her stride early on, may prove difficult to pass. Charlotte Vale has not won on the Flat since 2005 and has been in action over hurdles, tackling good company on the odd occasion, such as in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. She at least gets weight all round for her return to the level, and may go well along with Halla San. The latter may have had enough for the season when well beaten at York in October, but prior to that had been profitable to follow. The fast ground is a worry though, and although likely to give a good account, he is worth opposing for win purposes. Aleron has been given a break since disappointing over fences in January, but is a past course-and-distance winner, as is Mighty Moon. The one with the most scope to progress here is definitely Baltic Princess, and hopefully she will crack out and make all today.
Mighty Moon 20-1 (8-2) Chased leader, led 5f out, headed 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 12l behind Sweet Indulgence (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Balyan (IRE) 20-1 (9-10) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous, 14th of 16, 20l behind Cresta Gold (8-9) at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Jun.
Halla San 13-2 (9-5) Always towards rear, 10th of 19, 16l behind Leslingtaylor (9-4) at York 1m 4f app hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Oddsmaker (IRE) 14-1 (8-3) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 16, 21l behind Tees Components (10-0) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Sept.
Baltic Princess (FR) 13-2 (7-11) Led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, driven over 1f out, stayed same pace, 4th of 12, 2l behind Forthright (9-4) at Ripon 1m 4f hcap (3) gd in Jul.
Aleron (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Led early, remained in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, last of 11, 18l behind Ramsgill (10-11) at Chester 1m 4f amt hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Great Quest (IRE) 9-1 (9-11) Led, headed halfway, weakened from 6f out, 12th of 13, 33l behind Man On The Nile (9-4) at Wexford 2m hcp 45-70 gs in Aug.
Charlotte Vale 4-1 (9-13) Held up, headway over 5f out, one pace final 2f, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 27l behind Mighty Moon (8-9) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Oct.
Tilt 7-2 (9-10) Held up in rear, ridden and hung right over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 15l behind All The Good (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Nov.
Monolith 50-1 (8-6) Mid-division, headway to chase leader 10f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 16th of 31, 25l behind Detroit City (9-1) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcap (2) gs in Oct.
