13:40 Doncaster

Friday 29 December 2023

All11:5512:3013:0513:4014:1514:4515:20

KC Sofas Doncaster Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 5m 10.2s

Fantastic Lady⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144| C

7/2

Very useful mare who was far from discredited when fifth in the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree 48 days ago. Not discounted.

Form: U/1023-5

Pink Legend⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 142| D

8/1

Three-time winner during a consistent 2022/23 campaign and, following a lacklustre return, she got right back on track when scoring at Newbury 9 days ago. This could come too soon but she's capable of troubling Zambella on her day.

Form: 1311-41

Zambella²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 144| CD

2/1

Highly likeable mare with an excellent record at this level (has won this for the last 2 seasons). Looked better than ever when scoring by a wide margin at Aintree on return and the form has worked out well. Leading claims.

Form: 21124-1

Walk In Clover¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 121| D

33/1

Showed improved form during the spring, recording back-to-back handicap wins at Cheltenham (20.6f) and Southwell (24.3f) in April. Has remained in form since but this looks a stiff task.

Form: 423F34

Limerick Lace⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 145| BF| D

13/8

Smart chaser. Latest win in chase at Clonmel in October. Good second of 20 in handicap chase (4/1) at Navan (24f, heavy) 40 days ago. Arrives on the up and may yet do better still, so she's an intriguing contender.

Form: 1123-12

Carole's Pass³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 125

28/1

Fairly useful winning hurdler who made a promising start in this discipline when third in a listed contest at Exeter last month. Something to find but should be well suited by the step up in trip.

Form: 1465-33

La Renommee²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R Newland & J Insole| OR: 127

50/1

Progressive chaser who made a winning return in a handicap at Ludlow in October and backed it up with solid showing at Kempton. Bit to prove having been pulled up in race won by Zambella at Aintree last time, however.

Form: 113-12P

Royale Margaux^t¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Benjamin Poste| T: T Symonds| OR: 126

25/1

Five-time hurdles/dual chase winner in France for David Cottin and fairly useful form over fences in this country, running well at Cheltenham last time. Needs a lot more to trouble a couple of these rivals, though.

Form: 5P42-82

Forecasts

Limerick Lace (13/8), Zambella (2/1), Fantastic Lady (7/2), Pink Legend (8/1), Royale Margaux (25/1), Carole's Pass (28/1), Walk In Clover (33/1), La Renommee (50/1)

ZAMBELLA was hugely impressive at Aintree on reappearance and the form has a strong look to it, so she can win this race for the third year running. She's marginally preferred to Irish raider Limerick Lace, who is going the right way. Fantastic Lady is another one to consider.