always behind, weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders early, pushed along and lost place from 5f out, weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on no impression
chased leader, pushed along over 4f out, led well over 2f out, stayed on well
pushed along in touch, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
led, ridden 3f out, headed well over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, weakened 3f out
Not an easy race to assess as usual in this sphere and we will take a chance on another Mark Johnston debutant in WHISPERING GALLERY to outpoint Astrodiva. Again, it is worth noting that the Middleham-based handler usually leaves a little bit to work on with his inmates when they have their first run, but they are often still up to the task of winning and Whispering Gallery would not have to be anything special to be able to make his mark. His dam Echoes In Eternity was a multiple winner over middle distances, while he is also related to plenty of other winning stock and if he has similar ability then he should be good enough. Astrodiva is rated 78 after a couple of decent efforts in maidens and this, on the whole, does not look as competitive. She is respected but just might not have the class of the selection. Whirlijig has had a couple of bumper runs under the tutelage of Alan Swinbank and has not looked up to the quality of many he runs in that grade, but a market check is advised where her chance is concerned. Light Dubai has claims if reproducing the form of a Folkestone maiden effort from earlier in the spring, but preference here is for Whispering Gallery.
Bombie Boy 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, headway 7f out, pushed along over 4f out, hampered over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 24l behind Seasonselite (10-6) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) sft.
Ayrpassionata 28-1 (8-10) Held up, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten, last of 6, 18l behind Shady Gloom (9-1) at Hamilton 1m 1f mdn auc stks (6) gf in Jun '08.
Whirlijig (IRE) 50-1 (10-8) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 12th of 20, 42l behind Candy Creek (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f mrs nhf (1) gd in Apr.
Whispering Gallery Daylami gelding out of Echoes In Eternity.
Astrodiva 11-8 (8-7) In touch, headway to chase winner over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on from over 1f out, no impression when eased near finish, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Matraash (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gd.
Light Dubai (IRE) 50-1 (8-5) Dwelt towards rear, headway over 3f out, kept on, 5th of 12, 7l behind Quai D'orsay (9-7) at Musselburgh 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-90 (2) gd.
Oor Wee Miracle (GER) Tiger Hill filly out of Old Tradition.
