An above average race for this time of year and EUROPEAN DREAM could have been handed a decent opportunity by the assessor to see off Desert Vision and Mafeking. A fine servant to connections under both codes - the handicapper has put him in off a mark of 88 this afternoon. Baylini has run some of his better races here in the past and off a higher mark. Mafeking is rarely far away. A further 2lb rise from the handicapper for a short head defeat smacks a little spiteful on his part. Desert Vision is a model of consistency and he continues to show improvement for his racing. Indy Driver has yet to sparkle for his current trainer though had winning form this summer for James Fanshawe. Scamperdale has winning course and distance form but may be a slightly better bet around Wolverhampton. Poyle Meg is two from three at Kempton so is accordingly respected. European Dream is the call in a race that is likely to the most competitive on the card from a punting perspective.
Baylini 20-1 (8-12) With leader until tracked leaders 8f out, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Bound By Honour (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
European Dream (IRE) 18-1 (8-10) In rear, ridden 3f out, no impression, 6th of 7, 10l behind Alexandros (8-10) at Nottingham 1m cond Stakes (2) sft in Nov.
Scamperdale 9-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead towards finish, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Confidentiality (9-2) by nk, 10 ran.
Faithful Ruler (USA) 11-2 (8-8) Tracked leading pair, lost place 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final 2f, no impression, 4th of 7, 11l behind Reve De Nuit (8-4) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Mafeking (UAE) 9-2fav (9-5) Led, clear 5f out, ridden over 1f out, worn down last stride, 2nd of 11, shd behind Confidentiality (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Novikov 33-1 (8-12) Dwelt, soon close up on outside, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, last of 12, 12l behind Rock Ascot (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Desert Vision 2-1fav (9-10) Held up, headway over 4f out, led 2f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on but no chance with hard held winner, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Trachonitis (8-12) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Indy Driver 4-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4l behind Scamperdale (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Can Can Star 10-3 (9-3) Chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced well over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner final furlong, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Inheritor (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Poyle Meg 8-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden and headway 1f out, stayed on to lead close home, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Mafeking (9-5) by hd, 13 ran.
