led 1f, chased winner until steadied to 3rd 4f out, went 2nd again over 2f out, never able to reach unchallenged winner
held up in last pair, headway on outside 2f out, stayed on to 3rd final 50 yards, never able to challenge
took keen hold, held up last, headway to well held 3rd 2f out, never able to challenge and weakened to 4th final 50 yards
raced keenly, good speed to cross over and lead after 1f, pushed well clear over 2f out, ridden out final furlong, unchallenged
started slowly and awkward leaving stalls, took keen hold, held up, never on terms, eased when no chance final furlong
A tricky contest with only Silaah looking likely to set the pace. He did so when runner-up at Lingfield last month with Five Star Junior just behind and the fast-finishing PISCEAN a length further back. The latter was given plenty to do on that occasion but, reunited with winning partner George Baker here and racing on more favourable terms, Tom Keddy's charge can return to winning ways. Brave Prospector wasn't seen at his best over 7f here last time but went close at Lingfield before that and a bold bid looks likely from him, but both Perfect Act and Duplicity have a bit to find at these weights.
Brave Prospector 10-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden and kept on final furlong, no extra last 150 yards, 10th of 13, 5l behind Spirit Of Sharjah (9-4) at Kempton 7f Listed stks (1) pol in Dec.
Duplicity 40-1 (8-4) Behind and soon outpaced, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 14l behind Silaah (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs.
Five Star Junior (USA) 14-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, stayed on to 3rd final 100 yards and closed on 2nd close home, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Edinburgh Knight (8-9) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Piscean (USA) 6-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, switched right to outside over 1f out, headway and stayed on inside final furlong, not able to reach leaders, 5th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Edinburgh Knight (8-9) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Silaah 11-4fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on final furlong, won at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs beating Waveband (9-7) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Perfect Act 9-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, squeezed through between horses and headway 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Anne Of Kiev (9-12) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.