tracked leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden clear, comfortable
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon outpaced by winner
steadied start, held up, ridden halfway, never dangerous
chased leader, ridden halfway, kept on one pace
close up, lost place halfway
held up, ridden halfway, kept on one pace
If any horse deserves a victory it is Halfwaytoparadise and Michael Bell's runner is given the nod over Blushing Thief and Blue Beacon. The selection hasn't finished out of the first three in all her races to date and when last seen finished runner up to Bathwick Emma when given a rating of 73. If she can transfer that sort of form to the all-weather she will be hard to beat. Blushing Thief is steadily getting the hang of things and his recent third behind Ballet Pacifica has been given a boost by the runner up. With more improvement likely he should be in the shake up. Blue Beacon is another heading in the right direction and cannot be easily dismissed, especially as the yard is in such good form. All in all a pretty tricky contest with a few progressive types, but Halfwaytoparadise just gets the verdict.
Blushing Thief (USA) 5-1 (9-0) Disputed lead, led 4f out, joined over 1f out, stayed on until headed inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Ballet Pacifica (8-9) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb.
Mind Out (USA) 16-1 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, bumped and carried right over 2f out, soon struggling, 8th of 11, 23l behind Boldinor (8-6) at W'hampton 6f mdn stk (5) pol in Feb.
Phinerine 16-1 (9-0) In touch, pushed along 3f out, chased winner entering final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Lady Orpen (8-9) at Lingfield 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb.
Blue Beacon 14-1 (8-9) Soon prominent, every chance over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Critic (9-0) at W'hampton 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Halfwaytoparadise 10-11fav (8-9) Chased winner throughout, ridden well over 1f out, no impression when edged slightly left inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Bathwick Emma (8-9) at Nottingham 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) sft in Oct.
Tequila Rose (IRE) 40-1 (8-9) Mid-division, headway 2f out, carried right and no extra, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Drink To Me Only (8-9) at W'hampton 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Keelings Donabate 14-1 (9-0) Soon with leader, ridden and every chance over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Hypocrisy (8-9) at W'hampton 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
