tracked leaders on inside, ridden and brief effort 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened rapidly final furlong
close up 4th, never near to challenge over 1f out, stayed on one pace
close up to 5th, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, not troubled winner
steadied start, pulled hard in rear, ridden and outpaced 2f out, never dangerous
awkward leaving stalls, towards rear, ridden along 2f out, no impression over 1f out, eased when no chance inside final furlong
made all, led, shaken up and 2l clear 2f out, stayed on well under pressure final furlong, in command, driven out
raced very keenly, tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, not pace to challenge over 1f out, lost 2nd well inside final furlong
This is arguably the toughest race on today's card and PRINCESS ZOHRA is the tentative recommendation ahead of Bickersten and Millway Beach put forward as the alternatives. Ed Dunlop's filly has been sensibly handicapped after victory in a Wolverhampton maiden and seemed to appreciate stepping up in trip having campaigned over the sprint distances. Bickersten is from an in-form yard so has to be respected particularly with course form at Lingfield running at a premium. Millway Beach was not disgraced at Kempton after landing a prize on his first run in handicap company in January. Duke Of Normandy is certainly no stable star but the handicapper has offered him an opportunity this afternoon if he consents to put his best foot forward rather than hang under pressure. Rio Royale has given a lofty rating after obliging in a Folkestone maiden and probably needs some respite from the assessor. The well bred, Barbarian is first time out in a handicap and the market is watched accordingly. Princess Zohra is our idea of the most likely winner in an intriguing affair.
Rio Royale (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Always towards rear, one pace final 2f, never in contention, last of 7, 6l behind Markyg (9-7) at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Feb.
Millway Beach (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) In touch on inside, effort 2f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, unable to quicken towards finish, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Ageebah (9-0) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Barbarian 2-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway to chase winner over 2f out, every chance 1f out, always held inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Takeover Bid (9-3) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov.
Commandingpresence (USA) 20-1 (9-3) Steadied start, held up and well off the pace, made headway final furlong, no chance, 8th of 11, 3l behind Ageebah (9-0) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Princess Zohra 9-4fav (8-4) Took keen hold, led to 5f out, chased leader, led over 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, driven out, won at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol in Feb beating Invincible Miss (8-4) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Bickersten 16-1 (9-3) Soon led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead post, won at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn aut (6) pol in Feb beating Kiss A Prince (8-12) by a shd, 9 ran.
Duke of Normandy (IRE) 12-1 (9-6) In touch and keen, chased winner over 1f out, hung left final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind High Cross (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
