Smokey missed out on a four-timer when runner-up at Wolverhampton last time. She’d earlier beaten third-placed SOLAR PARK but that was the latter’s first start after a lay-off and re-opposing on better terms today, Michael Attwater’s charge may turn the tables. Indian Pursuit has been raised 8lb for winning over track and trip while Kath's Lustre may do better back over this minimum trip and Jorvik Prince will appreciate the return to the all-weather.
Smokey 10-3 (9-3) Led early, prominent, ridden over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, not able to get to winner, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Secretfact (9-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Big Time Maybe (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Pressed leader, ridden on near rail over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong, last of 10, 16 3/4l behind Wiff Waff (9-7) at Bath 6f hcp (6) sft in Aug.
Major Valentine 33-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 4l behind Secretfact (9-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Lethal Angel 8-1 (9-3) In touch in mid-division, lost place over 1f out, well beaten final furlong, 9th of 12, 12l behind Invincible Larne (9-6) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Indian Pursuit (IRE) 6-5fav (9-4) Broke well, tracked leaders, going easily 2f out, led 1f out, always in command, won at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Oct beating Dubai Paradise (8-13) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Bernie's Boy 12-1 (9-8) Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, 5th of 8, 3 3/4l behind Twilighting (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Jorvik Prince 12-1 (8-12) Midfield, pushed along over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 12, 9 1/4l behind Refuge (8-11) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (6) sft in Oct.
Solar Park (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Went right start, chased leaders, ran on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Smokey (9-2) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Jungle Boogaloo (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Edged right start, mid-division, raced keenly, switched right and headway over 4f out, drifted right and no impression over 1f out, weakened, last of 13, 19l behind My Lady Claire (9-6) at Bath 1m stks (6) gs in Aug.
Oriental Relation (IRE) 125-1 (8-2) Disputed, led halfway, ridden 2f out, faded before final furlong, well beaten, last of 11, 12 1/4l behind Newscaster (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Kath's Lustre 13-2 (9-2) Prominent, shaken up 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 4l behind Invincible Larne (9-6) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (5) pol in Nov.