keen hold, held up in touch, ridden to chase leading pair entering final furlong, stayed on same pace
held up in rear, effort on outside, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
held up in mid-division, keen, pushed along 3f out, no where to go from over 1f out until got through inside final furlong, ran on to take 3rd final 100 yards
took keen hold, wide in mid-division, pushed along 3f out, soon weakened
led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakening when hampered inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in mid-division, pushed along 3f out, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, no danger
held up in rear, effort on outer, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
tracked leader, led over 2f out, stayed on well, driven out
slowly into stride, behind, never on terms
tracked leaders on inside, weakened approaching final furlong
keen hold, prominent, chased winner 2f out, driven, stayed on final furlong, no impression near finish
tracked leaders on outer, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
An interesting race for the time of year, with Sky High Guy fancied to have strengthened up sufficiently to cope with the challenges presented by Tafiya and Simplified, who make the most appeal from the rest with previous racing experience. The well-bred newcomer White Heather is another to bear in mind if supported. Andrew Balding has his string ticking over nicely and this Selkirk filly is very much one to look at with an eye to the future. Simplified was given a quiet introduction over course and distance 12 days ago and should have benefited from the run. A stronger pace is more likely to suit her on this occasion and, with the likelihood of attractive odds being available, the daughter of Lend A Hand is a fair prospect for each-way punters to consider. Tafiya - as a half-sister to the high-class Tarfah - is sure to be a popular choice in the betting market and has to be placed high on the shortlist. This trip should suit her and a bold bid is anticipated. However, she has been off the track for 141 days and there has to be the suspicion that she may need the run. Therefore, she makes limited appeal at likely cramped odds. And a chance is taken with Sky High Guy, who showed marked improvement here last month. Sylvester Kirk's charge has comparable form with horses rated in the mid-70's, so is obviously no world beater. However, he has proved himself at the this course and, with his fitness proven, Sky High Guy looks worthy of a small investment in a tough one to call.
Shannon House 33-1 (8-8) Held up in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, last of 14, 37l behind Moi Aussi (9-1) at Southwell 1m 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Sky High Guy (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden 3f out, slightly outpaced until stayed on well final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Abstract Art (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Zizou (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Chased leaders until weakened over 2f out, 10th of 14, 21l behind Prince Charlemagne (7-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Boluisce (IRE) 33-1 (8-4) Always toward rear, 9th of 12, 6l behind Tamagin (8-9) at Lingfield 7f mdn stk (5) pol.
Living On A Prayer 25-1 (8-9) In rear, outpaced halfway, never nearer, 6th of 10, 7l behind Lake Shabla (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Simplified 25-1 (8-9) Held up in rear, headway on inside 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 11, 7l behind Dame Hester (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Tafiya 33-1 (8-11) Behind, switched left over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on but not reach winner, 2nd of 18, 1 1/2l behind Sindirana (8-11) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) gd in Oct.
White Heather Selkirk filly, half-sister to 6f winner Strike The Green and 5f-1m winner Jade Necklace.
