in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
always towards rear
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway over 3f out, led well over 1f out, soon clear easily
prominent, ridden over 3f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, hung left from over 1f out, went 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
always behind
towards rear, headway halfway, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Casablanca Minx can come out on top over the likes of Ten Shun, Night Groove, She Whispers and Hill of Howth. This is quite a competitive little claimer in which all of those mentioned have chances, and only a narrow vote goes the way of Casablanca Minx. Heidi Sweeting's filly came fast and late to eventually win going away in a Lingfield handicap five days ago, and as it was only a moderate contest and nothing to get too carried away about, the decision to drop her back into this company is probably a wise move. She should have no problem with the slightly longer trip and can account for She Whispers. The latter was beaten three and-a-half lengths by Ten Shun over the course and distance last week when Mark Polglase's charge was given an enterprising ride, but She Whispers is now 10lb better off and that should enable her to safely turn the tables on that rival at least. Night Groove also likes to front-run and was only just touched off in a handicap at Lingfield nine days ago. Successful in employing those tactics in a claimer here in November, he is another for the short-list along with Hill of Howth who finished second to Marcus Andronicus on his York debut back in May. He has failed to progress since though and connections will be disappointed that they have to lower his sights like this. Any market support for Kevin Ryan's charge should be heeded, but in an open contest we look to Casablanca Minx as the answer.
Hill of Howth (IRE) 13-2 (9-7) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 9, 40l behind Moi Aussi (9-6) at Southwell 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Dec.
Night Groove (IRE) 5-1 (8-10) Soon led, hard pressed 1f out, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind La Via Ferrata (8-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Ten Shun 5-1 (8-11) Made all, clear 2f out, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo sll (6) std beating She Whispers (8-6) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Bournonville 40-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 12, 33l behind Red Cape (9-0) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
Casablanca Minx (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead final 50 yards, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol beating Party Belle (9-1) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Angelina Bankes 20-1 (8-9) Ridden over 3f out, always in rear, 8th of 9, 15l behind Reveur (8-7) at W'hampton 7f nov stk (5) pol in Dec.
Crocodile Star (USA) 9-2 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, soon one pace, 7th of 9, 3 1/2l behind La Via Ferrata (8-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
She Whispers (IRE) 7-1 (8-6) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on close home, 2nd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Ten Shun (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo sll (6) std.
