led for 2f, chased leaders, weakened quickly 5f out, soon pulled up
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
held up last, ridden and outpaced 4f out, headway 3f out, challenged 2f out, every chance final furlong, not quickened
held up in touch, headway 6f out, ridden 4f out, kept on one pace
chased leader, led over 7f out, ridden 4f out, headed 2f out, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, chased leader 7f out, weakened 3f out
mid-division, headway 6f out, soon weakened
pulled early and held up towards rear, headway on bit 6f out, challenged and led 2f out, soon ridden, ran on gamely final furlong
virtually refused to race and left start, rapid headway to lead after 2f, headed over 7f out, soon weakened
held up in touch and pulled hard, hung badly left throughout, no impression
mid-division, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
This does not look the strongest of bumpers, and the experience of Ballyhoo should count against Lily Grey, with the selection's stablemate Kentford Lady best of the rest. There are unlikely to be any world-beaters in this line-up, but Ballyhoo at least showed a bit of improvement when staying on to be a close second at Fontwell last time. On her debut at Ludlow she had faced stronger opposition and should be capable of picking up a run-of-the-mill affair such as this before finding life tough under a penalty. Lily Grey has 18 lengths to find on the Fontwell form and it is hard to see her turning the tables, but the race is so poor that she is expected to give the selection most to do. Kentford Lady took part in a Newbury bumper in December, finishing fifth. She is out of a half-sister to useful chaser The Land Agent and so will appreciate a step up in trip in time. It really is hard to get enthusiastic about any of the others unless the market says otherwise, so a small investment on Ballyhoo may pay dividends.
