held up, pushed along over 3f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, held up, pulled hard, never dangerous
dwelt, always behind
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
driven to lead after 1f, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, pushed along over 4f out, headway on inside over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, switched right over 1f out, kept on well
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace approaching final furlong
led 1f, remained prominent and keen, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
always behind
held up mid-division, ridden 4f out, headway on inner over 2f out, switched right to challenge over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides
held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon no impression
always behind
mid-division, keen hold, never on terms
held up, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and no extra towards finish
Ballyshane Spirit can land the finale, with Mark Of Love, Princess Zada and Forced Upon Us others to consider. Ballyshane Spirit has been in quite good form on the all-weather during the winter, and ran really well from 3lb out of the handicap when a close second to Alfresco at Lingfield last time. With Kirsty Milczarek able to take 7lb off his back today, Neville Callaghan's charge must have leading claims in a race that will take little winning. Mark Of Love stayed on nicely when fourth at Lingfield 17-days ago and should at least make his presence felt, while Princess Zada will come on for the run, and based on last year's efforts, makes slightly more appeal than stablemate Anthea. Forced Upon Us shaped as though he would have no trouble with today's trip when staying on well at the finish over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton. That was his first outing since December, and he too is worth a mention. However, we shall remain loyal to Ballyshane Spirit.
Mighty Missouri (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, weakened 1f out, 8th of 9, 7l behind Ready For Spring (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Aug.
One And Gone (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Behind, driven and kept on final 2f, never nearer, 5th of 14, 13l behind Marvo (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Baby Dordan (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) In touch far side, ridden and outpaced 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 25l behind Magic Echo (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gs in Oct.
Ask Yer Dad 10-1 (9-4) Led and ridden along, pressed and headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 1l behind Lake Pontchartrain (9-6) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Ballyshane Spirit (IRE) 4-1 (7-13) Chased leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, always held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Alfresco (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Lapina (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, driven 4f out, never in contention, 8th of 11, 11l behind Ekhtiaar (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol in Oct.
Extractor 66-1 (9-3) Mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 13, 13l behind Farleigh House (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) gd in Sept.
Mark of Love (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Cnoc Moy (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol.
