tracked leader, led approaching 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up, led well over 1f out, driven clear final furlong, eased near finish
led, ridden when headed approaching 3f out, weakening and hung left from over 1f out
Nonrunner
Regal Riband is narrowly preferred to Benllech and Love In May. Sir Mark Prescott's charge won well at the course on Friday in spite of substantial market opposition and while she isn't quite the finished article, there was enough evidence to suggest that she could be quite useful. Benllech took some time to get off the mark but could not be written off at these weights. Love In May was sent off at 33/1 in a four runner handicap and burst through late to snatch the spoils. There is the suspicion that the market leaders did not give their best running on the day. Homes By Woodford has got the hang of the game following a success in plating company. At these weights, the percentage call is to oppose. An intriguing opener in which Regal Riband is the selection.
Love In May (IRE) 33-1 (9-4) Chased leader over 4f out, ridden to lead 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 6f 2yo hcp 0-95 (4) pol beating Beauchamp Viceroy (9-7) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
Benllech 3-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, not clear run and switched left over 1f out, ran on strongly final furlong to lead post, won at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov beating Baltic Belle (8-12) by a shd, 11 ran.
Regal Riband 3-1 (8-12) Led early, chased leader, led over 3f out, clear and edged left over 1f out, eased well inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) std beating Conny Nobel (9-3) by 5l, 7 ran.
Homes By Woodford 13-2 (8-11) Mid-division, headway and switched left over 1f out, ran on to lead post, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo hcp (6) pol beating Dressed To Dance (9-0) by a shd, 12 ran.
