MAVERICK QUEEN was only narrowly beaten last time under a big weight to a progressive male rival to whom she conceded weight, and the 2-point penalty for that performance shouldn't prevent her from making another bold bid against female-only opposition. Hard-knocker WHIRLYBIRD is closely matched with that rival and weighted to fight out the finish. QUIET WINTER should also pose more of a threat back in same-sex company. Class-droppers UNITED OFFER and JAZZ PIANIST have shown enough to make their presence felt. CLAIRWOOD ROSE, WAITING ON CHARLIE and THERE SHE GOES complete the shortlist.
par Grégory Bougouin