ChelmsfordThu, February 22, 2024

There was plenty of promise from SPIRIT OF THE ROSE (6) when third over this trip on debut and with natural improvement expected, the Clive Cox-trained filly earns the vote ahead of COCKTAIL DRESS (5). George Boughey's daughter of Too Darn Hot has been given time to strengthen following her pleasing debut fourth at Newcastle (7f) in September and should play a major role, while NOT AFRAID (3) clearly has the ability to figure but will need the first-time hood to do its job. The more experienced RIBAL (1) sets the standard on figures and will likely be on the premises once more.