towards rear, came wide straight over 2f out to stands rail, hanging left over 1f out and no impression on leaders final furlong
pressed leader to well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in rear, headway from 1f out, kept on to take 3rd well inside final furlong, not troubled leading pair
held up, headway on inside 3f out, ridden to lead just over 1f out, ran on and driven out
tracked leaders, hanging left over 1f out, not pace to challenge, one pace after
took keen hold, prominent, ridden and lost place 2f out, soon weakened and in rear over 1f out
led until headed just over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not pace of winner
Nonrunner
Misphire has shown definite signs that she's ready to return to the winner's enclosure and is taken to bring Medici Pearl's winning spree to an end but soft ground is crucial to the chances of both. Michael Dods' string have held their form well throughout the season and the County Durham handler has a good strike rate with his runners at the Midlands venue. This mare looked poised to run a big race at Pontefract last time having shaped pleasingly on her penultimate start but she never got into a contest that was won by the runaway leader. She may not be the easiest ride but the under rated Paul Mulrennan may prove to be an ideal partner for her, she sees out this trip well enough, is on a winning mark and should be able to play her cards late. Medici Pearl has won at Catterick and Carlisle on her last two starts so the track doesn't seem to matter as long as there's some juice in the ground. The handicapper's taken a shot at her and this mark did prove beyond her last season so it may be worth taking her on given that she's likely to be short enough in the market. Ken's Girl has been disappointing since the first half of last season but Stuart Kittow is enjoying a decent run and she's worth a market check whilst support for Princess Valerina on her return would be interesting as the pick of last season's efforts give her clear claims. Coachhouse Lady is entitled to come on for her reappearance and is worthy of respect as is Glencal although it's not obvious where she's going to find the requisite improvement from. An interesting and competitive race is in store but Misphire looks ready to fire and is selected.
