always towards rear
chased leaders 3f
mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
made all, clear 2f out, ridden out
slowly into stride, always towards rear
chased winner, ridden 3f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd close home
Cool Isle is the pick ahead of Bathwick Rox, Noble Edge and Ten Shun in a moderate contest. Unlike the majority of Kevin Ryan's juveniles last year, Cool Isle failed to get her head in front, but hopes are high that she can start life as a three-year-old by opening her account in what is not the strongest of contests. She is only plating class, but has finished second in the grade twice including here in October when she had Ten Shun behind. More recently she plugged on without threatening in first-time blinkers at Southwell and now has cheekpieces applied. There has to be a little race somewhere for her, and this could be it. Noble Edge had Bathwick Rox a length behind when scoring here nine days ago and should have that rival's measure again, while Cumberland Road's trainer knows the time of day in these events and should be noted in the market. This is not an event to get too worked up about, and only a small investment is recommended on Cool Isle.
Bathwick Rox (IRE) 3-1 (8-12) Always in touch on inside, ridden 2f out, every chance 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Noble Edge (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo sll (6) pol in Dec.
Cumberland Road 11-2 (8-12) Dwelt, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened quickly, 12th of 13, 32l behind Psycho Cat (8-12) at Southwell 7f 2yo sll (6) fbs in Nov.
Noble Edge 20-1 (8-12) Chased leader, led over 3f out, headed briefly 1f out, led again just inside final furlong, all out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo sll (6) pol in Dec beating Wee Charlie Castle (8-12) by a hd, 13 ran.
Secret Tender (IRE) 16-1 (8-5) Held up towards rear, ridden and effort over 2f out but soon one pace, 8th of 13, 6l behind George's Flyer (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo clm (6) pol in Dec.
Ten Shun 7-2 (8-11) Led, kept on when strongly pressed final furlong, caught near finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Indian Wizard (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 3yo sll (6) pol.
Cool Isle 4-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Psycho Cat (8-12) at Southwell 7f 2yo sll (6) fbs in Nov.
Grove Cherry (IRE) 40-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, outpaced, 13th of 14, 17l behind Short Dance (8-11) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn fll (4) gf in Sept.
She Whispers (IRE) 11-2 (8-6) Held up, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Figaro Flyer (9-2) at Lingfield 6f 2yo sll (6) pol in Dec.
