held up in touch, chased leaders after 3 out, led next, soon headed and outpaced
tracked leader, effort 3 out, soon under pressure, weakened next
held up in rear, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten and detached, pulled up
held up in rear, smooth headway after 3 out, led after next, driven clear, easier finish, impressive
led, not fluent 7th, headed 2 out, kept on under pressure
Nonrunner
This could be a good opportunity for MY PETRA to take top honours despite slight stamina reservations; the best of the rest could be French raider Quaspia. Jockey error ruined a trip to Wetherby, whilst her jumping was not really up to scratch in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time, however Nicky Henderson's mare might be worth chancing today. A return to hurdles will suit and whilst she has never won over this far, she shapes as if she'll get the trip. Quaspia has a hard task at the weights but the mare isn't over here for a holiday and Robert Thornton is a good jockey booking for a mare who would love a drop of rain. Amigayle is gutsy and ran a stormer over fences last time out at Ascot, and Suzy Smith's mare certainly stays this trip. Amber Brook is rated 144 and comes here on the back of a comprehensive win at Wincanton; she is a bit hit-and-miss but is very good on a going day. Elzahann needs to improve to feature but is progresing well and will be fitter for a Cheltenham spin, Whiteoak is a smashing mare who drops in grade and will appreicate being back against her own sex, and the step up to three miles should not be a problem, whilst Wychwoods Legend won nicely over fences last time but is likely to be outclassed. Whiteoak is the top-rated in the race however we are happy to side with My Petra.
Amber Brook (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, headway 7th, chased leaders next, led approaching last, ran on, won at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs beating Argento Luna (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Dansimar 11-1 (11-12) Mid-division, chased leaders 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, soon eased, 9th of 10, 46l behind Amber Brook (11-12) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs.
Elzahann (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, going well when not much room and stumbled after 8th, moved into 6th when his last, never dangerous, 6th of 14, 11l behind Templer (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl (2) gf in Oct.
Whiteoak (IRE) 11-4fav (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, never on terms, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Celestial Halo (11-10) at Wincanton 2m Ltd hcp hdl (1) gs.
Wychwoods Legend 11-8fav (10-9) Made all, hit 3 out, well clear approaching 2 out, eased flat, won at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (3) gs beating Pelo Du Bief (10-9) by 5l, 6 ran.
My Petra 16-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, hit 7th, blundered 9th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out, in a race won by Tranquil Sea (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) sft, 16 ran.
Quaspia (FR) (10-10) 4th of 18, 7l behind Quitto Bleu (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 2f hcp hdl sft in Oct.
Aimigayle 16-1 (10-7) Chased leader, blundered 9th, lost 2nd 4 out, outpaced from next, rallied approaching last, kept on well run-in to take 2nd final 100 yards, 2nd of 16, 5l behind The Last Derby (10-3) at Ascot 3m listed hcp chs (1) gd in Oct.
