in touch far side, ridden, switched right 2f out, one pace
chased winner far side, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no impression
led stands side, ridden over 2f out, headed by stands side group over 1f out, soon weakened
made all far side group, ridden 2f out, kept on well final furlong
switched right soon after start, soon in touch stands side group, ridden to lead stands side group over 1f out, kept on, no chance with far side group
chased leaders stands side group, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders stands side group, ridden over 1f out, one pace
in rear far side group, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders far side group, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong
towards rear stands side group, headway, edged left over 1f out, kept on, no impression final furlong
chased leaders stands side group, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, soon eased
chased leaders far side group, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
in touch stands side group, weakened 1f out
behind stands side group, struggling from halfway
raced stands side, behind, ridden halfway, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A nigh-on impossible race to be confident about but we will short list Portmeirion, Cerualean Rose and African Gift and give the vote to Portmeirion. Even though she is winless in two years, Cerulean Rose ran well from a slightly higher mark than today last season over course and distance and, accordingly, cannot be ruled out. Riquewihr is on a winning mark from last May, although that win came on heavy. Ms Chicaf would hold good claims based on her York win in 2004, but she seems to have regressed of late, although she races in a first-time tongue-tie today. Dorn Dancer needs a career best to score, even though she ran well off today's mark at Ripon on soft going last time, while recapturing her juvenile form would greatly help Word Perfect's chances. Portmeirion was progressive last year and, with more improvement likely, has to be respected, even though she lacks a run this season. Also, she is closely weighted with Cerulean Rose and Daniella, who is lightly raced and could have more to come this year, based on their course and distance meetings last September. African Gift has to be considered as she is back on a winning mark of last August, although Ruby's Dream has the beating of her based on Ayr form of 16 days earlier. That said, theoretically, Angelofthenorth has the beating of them both based on the Haydock race referred to, although she has yet to win a race in 14 starts. Finally, Rancho Cucamonga races from below last July's winning mark and is also a course and distance winner, so she cannot be ruled out, and Southwell winner Desertina seemed to show improvement when returned to Turf last time and, stepping up to her favoured six furlongs, might have more to come. Another thing is do not forget that it is around this time of year that we start to hear about mares coming into foal, so keep your ears and eyes open. In terms of having a bet, well, it is hard to recommend one, but the selection, once again, is Portmeirion.
Cerulean Rose 20-1 (8-12) Dwelt, behind and outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous, 11th of 15, 7l behind Spanish Ace (9-4) at Warwick 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Apr.
Riquewihr 7-1 (9-10) Held up, headway over 2f out, hung left and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 1 1/2l behind Stellite (9-4) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Apr.
Daniella 8-1 (8-11) Raced stand side, prominent, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, soon edged left, no extra close home, 6th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Jilly Why (9-2) at Nottingham 6f fll hcp (5) gd in Sept.
Dorn Dancer (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Pushed along in touch far side group, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no chance with winner stand side, 2nd of 18, 2 1/2l behind Our Little Secret (8-4) at Ripon 5f app hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Portmeirion 9-4fav (8-10) Raced stand side, held up going well, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon edged left and not clear run briefly, ran on, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind Jilly Why (9-2) at Nottingham 6f fll hcp (5) gd in Sept.
Rancho Cucamonga (IRE) 25-1 (8-3) Race centre, always behind, 12th of 18, 10l behind Our Little Secret (8-4) at Ripon 5f app hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Scrunch 2-1 (8-6) Disputed lead until over 3f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Extra Cover (9-0) at Southwell 6f 3yo mdn (D) fbs in Jul '04.
Word Perfect 7-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, driven along and lost place halfway, 11th of 16, 12l behind True Night (8-8) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Apr.
