Verdict

QUEENS BAY, upped from novice company to Grade 2 level last time, ran a cracker when less than eight lengths behind the likes of Violin Davis and Kentford Grey Lady at Ascot. He previously chased home Swincombe Flame who could not have boosted the form more impressively when subsequently landing the ultra-competitive Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. Back in novice company, Queens Bay can defy her penalty before going on to better things. Night Rose rates the prime threat, having been brought along nice and steadily by the in-form Alan King. She was coming to challenge when falling two out last time and should give the likely favourite something to think about if fully over what was a heavy fall. Fortuna Rose and Pyleigh Lass were third and fourth in that contest and both should make their presence felt here, whilst keep a close eye on Definite Memories in the market. Very impressive when landing an Irish point in November, she now has her first run under Rules for the thriving Venetia Williams yard.

Formwatch

Queens Bay 20-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, tracked leading trio, outpaced before 2 out, no chance after, 4th of 6, 8l behind Violin Davis (11-0) at Ascot 3m hdl G2 (1) gs in Jan.

Definite Memories (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Ww rr, prog

Egretta Island (IRE) 15-2 (10-7) Held up on outside, ridden briefly after 3rd, in rear when fell 5th, in a race won by Lights Of Broadway (11-3) at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan, 12 ran.

Fortuna Rose 33-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 4th, challenged 7th until 3 out, not fluent 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 12, 6l behind Lights Of Broadway (11-3) at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.

Generous Beauty 12-1 (10-12) With leaders on inside, lost place over 6f out, soon outpaced, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 14, 25l behind Toto Corde Meo (10-12) at Towcester 2m mares n h flat (6) gs in Dec.

Hero's Call 150-1 (9-12) Towards rear, headway on outside approaching 4th, soon chasing leaders, ridden before 3 out, weakened soon after, 6th of 14, 27l behind African Broadway (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.

Martin's Shadow 200-1 (10-2) Reluctant to race, well in rear, ran out 4th, in a race won by Carrigmorna King (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 16 ran.

Midnight Lira 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced 8th, soon weakened, tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Kaffie (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Native Breeze (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 3rd, lost place approaching 3 out, 6th of 12, 42l behind Lights Of Broadway (11-3) at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.

Night Rose 3-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 7th, challenging when fell 2 out, in a race won by Lights Of Broadway (11-3) at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan, 12 ran.

Pyleigh Lass 15-8fav (10-12) Held up towards rear, jumped slowly 1st, not fluent and headway 3rd, mistake 5th, outpaced by leaders approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace last, 4th of 12, 12l behind Lights Of Broadway (11-3) at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.

Thymeless 66-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, hit 2nd, jumped right next, not fluent 8th, headway 3 out, soon no further progress, 6th of 9, 17l behind Cross The Flags (10-10) at Towcester 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.

Wilde Ruby (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Behind, some late headway, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 26l behind One More Cookie (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 5f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.

Kabira 66-1 (10-5) Took keen hold, held up in touch, outpaced 5f out soon lost place, tailed off, 7th of 8, 34l behind Umadachar (10-5) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs NH flat (4-7yo) (6) sft in Jan.