led, soon clear, hung left over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on and caught close home
held up in touch, went 2nd over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, lost 2nd over 1f out, one pace
held up mid-division, headway to go 3rd over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders in 3rd, weakened before halfway
tracked leader, weakened over 4f out
held up towards rear, pushed along over 5f out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, headway before 8f out, ridden over 3f out, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on to lead close home
held up mid-division, weakened before 5f out
held up towards rear and keen, pushed along over 7f out, never dangerous
The Queen's SIDE STEP made her debut at Ludlow last month but couldn't cope with Tara Mist and Ballyhollow. The winner went on to finish second in a Listed race, however, while the runner-up went one better at Towcester next time so the form has a solid look about it and she can open her account here. Balmusette wasn't disgraced under a penalty at Uttoxeter after a break and should run well again while Ebony Empress is edging closer to a first victory. Newcomer Star Of Salford is very interesting as she's a half-sister to five winners on the Flat and over jumps. A market move for either her or Well Connected, who is a half-sister to hurdles and bumper winner Royal Guardsman, should certainly be noted.
Balmusette 6-1 (11-5) Prominent, led over 14f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 17, 4l behind Kayfleur (10-9) at Warwick 2m mares n h flat (6) gs in Nov.
Ebony Empress (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, held inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Tara Road (10-11) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
Ellin's Tower 12-1 (10-3) Held up, headway 6f out, ridden and no impression final 2f, 5th of 15, 17l behind Down Ace (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f mares n h flat (6) gd in May.
Eternal Vine 6-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, pushed along and struggling 5f out, tailed off, 6th of 8, 46l behind On Tour (11-11) at Catterick 2m NH flat (6) gd in Dec.
Lily Little Legs (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Mid div, 5th 1/2way, sl prog into 4th 3out, prog to 3rd bef 2out, cl 2nd & gaining on ldr bef last until no ex flat, just held, 2nd of 11, hd behind Maxford Lady (11-9) at Avaune 3m ire ptp gs in Dec.
Royal Roo Overbury mare out of Royal Roxy.
Side Step 2-1fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, close up 5f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression in 3rd when edged left 1f out, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Tara Mist (10-12) at Ludlow 2m mares n h flat (5) gd in Dec.
Star Of Salford Hernando mare out of City Of Angels.
Well Connected Presenting mare out of Lisa Du Chenet.
Elegant Stride (IRE) One Cool Cat filly out of Good Thought.
Lucky Emily 25-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, ridden over 4f out, well beaten final 3f, 5th of 7, 26l behind Askamore Darsi (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
