chased leaders, chased winner from 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, no impression
chased leaders and keen, ridden approaching 3 out, never dangerous
held up, ridden approaching 4 out, never near to challenge
held up in rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, went poor 3rd 4 out, no impression
made all, soon clear, blundered 2 out, shaken up after last, eased towards finish
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, never troubled leaders
towards rear, never dangerous
Lalagune and Calamintha look to have this race between them, with the latter getting the nod. The selection won at the first time of asking over hurdles and then found all bar Alchemystic too good for her at Fontwell next time after her saddle slipped early in the race. That is form enough to give her a leading chance here. The obvious danger is Lalagune, who looked progressive when winning at Uttoxeter last time, where she hurdled well. She might be up to carrying her penalties, especially with her good claiming rider taking three pounds off her back, but we'll side with Calamintha. Of the others, Minnie Secret is out of a mare that won on the Flat and over hurdles in Ireland and, in a race that lacks strength in depth, might be good enough to bag some money at the first time of asking; Jim Culloty is an interesting booking for Ellway Prospect, who has hinted at ability, and Zan Lo is by Grand Lodge out of a well-bred mare who proved pretty consistent at a reasonable level when raced in Ireland. Overall, though, we'll stick with Calamintha.
