edged left at times, led and set steady pace, headed briefly 3 out, quickened before 2 out, headed after 2 out, soon ridden and no response, weakened into 3rd between last 2
tracked leader, led briefly 3 out, challenged 2 out, led soon after, quickened clear run-in, impressive
held up in 3rd, went 2nd between last 2, mistake last, ridden and no chance with winner
NonRunner
Star Gate was very impressive at Chepstow in a race that’s working out well and he looks a nice prospect but the same can be said of all of these. Sending Love bolted up at Ffos Las and has clearly benefited from wind surgery – his yard won this last year. Alan King targets this Grade 2 and has won it five times in the last 11 years. His last three winners have been French-bred, as is VALLERES who would have found the going too quick when beaten last month at Ludlow. Any News and Press Your Luck have already won twice and are unlikely to be disgraced stepping up in grade.
Sending Love (IRE) 10-3 (10-12) Tracked leaders, joined leader 3 out, ridden to lead approaching next, ran on, won at Ffos Las 2m 4f mdn (4) sft in Nov beating Champagne Rhythm (10-12) by 9l, 10 ran.
Star Gate (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, slightly hampered stable bend after 3rd, challenged 3 out, led next, quickened clear flat, impressive, won at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Oct beating Everglow (11-0) by 6 1/2l, 15 ran.
Valleres (FR) 8-11fav (11-5) Chased winner, shaken up to challenge when not fluent 3 out, driven after 2 out, untidy last, no impression final 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 5 1/2l behind Threeunderthrufive (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 5f (2) gd in Nov.
Any News (IRE) 13-8 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear approaching last, comfortable, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Nov beating Easy As That (11-0) by 10l, 4 ran.
Press Your Luck (IRE) 11-10fav (11-5) Chased clear leader, headway to lead 4 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on strongly close home, won at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Nov beating Mocacreme Has (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
