This was the biggest field in the race’s 10-year history, but that was a reflection of the absence of a good one, encouraging connections to “have a go”, rather than strength in depth, especially compared to the 8-runner contest 12 months before which featured Golden Ace beating Brighterdaysahead.
It was truly-run on ground that was “good to soft” on times, with the winner’s final 4f of 54.53% only slightly quicker than par at 106.6% finishing speed. There was a false start and Maughreen whipped round at the ensuing standing start, one of many unsatisfactory beginnings to races at the 2025 Festival.
AIR OF ENTITLEMENT (h142 here, 130 previously) coped with the return to a shorter trip, but only just in what was a well-run race and has quite a bit of potential for further (by Westerner, out of a half-sister to a useful staying chaser), including over fences. She was patiently ridden in mid-field before making an effort 2 out, with a fair bit to find soon after but staying on well (despite initially edging right) to lead near the finish.
SIXANDAHALF (h141 here, 135+ previously) duly improved on the bare form of her hurdle debut win but lost out narrowly in a race she looked very likely to win (touched 25/1-on in-running), always prominent and travelling well after 2 out, leading approaching the last but run down close home despite finding plenty. A stayer on the flat, third in the Irish Cesarewitch, she will get further for all that she has not looked short of pace over hurdles to date.
DIVA LUNA (h134 here, 123 previously) finally delivered on her bumper promise, turning in a useful and improved effort, prominent before leading 2 out until approaching the last, going left there then drifting back right as she found just one pace.
KAROLINE BANBOU (h130 here and previously) ran at least as well as previously, close up until no extra approaching the last. She is jump-bred and ought to do well over fences, probably at around this trip to begin with.
METKAYINA (h127 here, 121 previously) surpassed pre-race expectations, staying on well from towards the rear.
GALILEO DAME (h125 here, 136 previously) held strong claims in receipt of weight but failed to do herself justice, mid to rear by halfway and not always fluent, labouring some way out but making a few late gains.
KARAMOJA (h125 here and previously)
JUBILEE ALPHA (h117 here, 128 previously)
TOUR OVALIE (h117 here, 121 previously)
JANE EIRE (h117 here and previously)
AURORA VEGA (h114 here, 139 previously) had solid claims of a place at least but disappointed, racing a bit wide and always around the same place.
MAGIC MCCOLGAN (h113 here, 117 previously)
KITTY FOYLE (h110 here, 120 previously)
KIMI DE MAI ( h108 here, 118 previously)
QUEENIE ST CLAIR (h107 here, 110 previously)
VENUSIENNE (h107 here, ? previously)
MYSTICAL GODDESS (h104 here, 123 previously)
BRENDAS ASKING (h0 here, 116 previously)
LAGERTHA (h0 here, 120 previously)
MAUGHREEN (h0 here, 121+ previously) lost several lengths at the start and trailed round in rear, best forgiven this.
JUST A ROSE (h0 here, 129 previously) looked inexperienced in terms of her jumping and was quickly beaten after 3 out.
BLUEY (h0 here, 123 previously)
HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA (h0 here, 126 previously) had won a particularly weak Grade 2 at Sandown but should have fared better than this all the same.
