You're Hired completed a double here last autumn and is 10lb lower than his last winning mark but was seven lengths behind Tarbaan over the course and distance a fortnight ago. The winner should make a bold bid to complete a quick double but Diamond Ranger, who was beaten just over three lengths in third, had every chance and looks held. GLOUCESTERSHIRE (NAP) made a winning debut for Martyn Meade in 2020 then went to the USA where he won at Gulfstream in January. Back with the Meade's, he struck the front in the straight when tackling 1m4f at Kempton and can get back to winning ways over this more suitable trip. Counsel's Lingfield victory came over 7f and he hasn't proved he stays this far while Humanitarian is better over further these days.
Gloucestershire (USA) 13-2 (9-13) Chased leaders early, in touch in mid-division, effort over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed final 75 yards, no extra close home, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Ziggy (9-12) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (3) pol in Nov.
Diamond Ranger (IRE) 6-1 (10-0) Edged right start, held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Tarbaan (9-5) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
You're Hired 18-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 1f out, not much room and switched left, never on terms, 5th of 9, 7 1/4l behind Tarbaan (9-5) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Tarbaan (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, switched right and headway over 1f out, challenging when brushed by rival inside final furlong, soon led, ran on well, won at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Idee Fixee (9-6) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Counsel 33-1 (9-13) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 3 1/4l behind Phantasy Mac (9-9) at Kempton 1m hcp (4) pol in Oct.
Humanitarian (USA) 6-1 (9-13) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 10f out, weakened and behind over 1f out, last of 10, 19 1/4l behind Duty Of Care (10-2) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) pol in Nov.
