Verdict

The shortlist contains Classic Fantasy, Saratogane and Lady Wilde, with the vote going to the first-named horse. A half-sister to Central House, the Paul Nicholls-trained Classic Fantasy showed more that enough on her racetrack debut to be considered today. A half-sister to Lough Derg, the Martin Pipe-trained Saratogane has shown more than enough in two runs to be suggested as a leading player today, although, of course, she has a penalty to overcome. Even Flo has shown some promise, but only at a modest level, but Lady Wilde, who is related to some decent types including Murphy's Cardinal, has shown enough to be granted plenty of respect. Peppery Pamela and Sally Army are ones to watch in the betting, as might be Ring Back, who cost 38,000 euros. Fleur des Pres showed promise on her Newbury debut and is entitled to improve, while Nefertari has a similar profile and is also respected. Finally, Thebellinbroadway has shown promise in one run, but that came back in April 2004 so, once again, we return to the selection, which is Classic Fantasy.

Formwatch

Classic Fantasy 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, switched right 2f out, every chance 1f out, faded, 4th of 13, 2l behind Willie Pep (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Jan.

Even Flo 14-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden and headway 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 14, 15l behind Victor Daly (11-4) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec.

Kathleen Kennet 25-1 (10-11) Held up in mid-division, under pressure 6f out, soon behind, 8th of 11, 28l behind Deep Reflection (11-4) at Lingfield 2m nhf (H) pol in Dec.

Lady Wilde (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) In touch, led 3f out until headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 12, 9l behind Colline de Fleurs (11-2) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Jan.

Peppery Pamela Master Willie mare out of an unraced mare.

Saratogane (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Led to 8f out, led again over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, headed and not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Belita (10-5) at Warwick 1m 6f nhf (H) gd in Nov.

Fleur des Pres (FR) 7-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, kept on steadily final 2f, never nearer, 5th of 17, 22l behind Pressgang (11-0) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) gs in Jan.

Nefertari 4-1 (10-3) Prominent, ridden over 4f out, kept on well final 2f, 4th of 14, 21l behind Rhacophorus (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) gs in Jan.