took keen hold and held up 3rd, left in 3 lengths 2nd 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never able to challenge
tracked winner, switched left and lost action approaching final 2f, pulled up and dismounted
led at slow pace, quickened tempo 3f out, left in 3 lengths lead 2f out, eased close home, unchallenged
Chapter And Verse likes it around here as he proved yet again when beating Webbow over the C&D last month. Spirit Of Sharjah was performing with credit at Meydan around this time a year ago and will be better for a recent run at Lingfield. He has three Polytrack victories to his credit which could possibly give him an edge over IMPERIAL GUEST, though the latter has shown himself to be in a different league on Turf. He makes his debut on an artificial surface on his 43rd career start which has included six victories and his latest run, when fourth to Maarek in a Group 2 at Ascot in October, is far superior form to that of his two rivals.
Chapter And Verse (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders and keen, led over 1f out, pressed inside final furlong, kept on, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec beating Webbow (9-6) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Imperial Guest 50-1 (9-0) Raced near side, chased leader in group, challenged well over 1f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, went 2nd in group inside final furlong, not quicken and dropped to 4th last strides, 4th of 15, 2 3/4l behind Maarek (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) sft in Oct.
Spirit of Sharjah (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Held up in 4th, driven and lost place over 1f out, behind final furlong, last of 5, 2l behind Lockantanks (8-12) at Lingfield 1m stks (3yo+) (3) pol in Dec.
