Verdict

KENTFORD GREY LADY was narrowly beaten in a Grade 2 at Ascot last January before a superb run behind Quevega in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham when she had both Alasi and Kells Belle behind. She reappeared to defy a huge weight in a handicap over the C&D last month and will take some beating. The latter's stablemate, Une Artiste, won the Fred Winter at Cheltenham when receiving plenty of weight then refused to race when sent to the Punchestown Festival. She reappeared to beat Alasi just over two lengths in a Listed contest at Wetherby and is an obvious threat. Kateal, who has been chasing, completes the line-up but will need to improve on what she's shown so far.

Formwatch

Une Artiste (FR) 13-8 (11-6) Tracked leaders in 3rd, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well, won at Wetherby 2m mrs lst hdl (1) gs in Nov beating Alasi (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.

Alasi 5-1 (11-6) Held up in touch, ridden and headway after 2 out, chased winner after last, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Une Artiste (11-6) at Wetherby 2m mrs lst hdl (1) gs in Nov.

Kentford Grey Lady 9-2 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, led next, soon hard driven, ran on well, won at Sandown 2m 4f Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft in Dec beating One Lucky Lady (10-12) by 2 1/4l, 10 ran.

Kells Belle (IRE) 7-4fav (11-6) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, ridden to go 2nd before 2 out, one pace and beat when faultered and pulled up before last, in a race won by Knockfierna (10-12) at Kempton 3m mrs lst hdl (1) sft in Nov, 8 ran.

Kateal 12-1 (10-6) In touch when mistake and dropped to mid-division 2nd, ridden after 4 out, weakened next, 8th of 15, 17l behind Ulck Du Lin (10-2) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Dec.