FATHSTA is the call in this competitive handicap with Earlsmedic and Vhujon very worthy players on our shortlist. David Simcock's charge appreciates Kempton and made light work of victory here in December. The handicapper could have been much more heavy handed than he has and the draw seems fair enough. Earlsmedic will be ridden by William Carson, who has been a revelation over the winter. A 10lb rise did for the horse at Wolverhampton and the handicapper has not relented since. Vhujon is likely to be making strides when the front runners start to buckle. Lujeanie is in winning form though takes a bold step up in grade. The remainder all having something to prove on their recent efforts. Having considered the alternatives, we return to Fathsta.
Earlsmedic 10-3fav (8-1) Held up in touch, one pace inisde final furlong, 5th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Imprimis Tagula (8-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Fathsta (IRE) 5-6fav (9-3) Not much room start, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Bahamian Lad (9-2) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Peak District (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, last of 8, 10l behind Fitz Flyer (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) std in Dec.
Vhujon (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Held up, headway over 1f out, ridden to go 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Lujeanie (8-10) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Lujeanie 15-2 (8-10) Mid-division, good headway on inside 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Vhujon (8-13) by 1l, 9 ran.
Vintage (IRE) 9-2 (9-2) Keen, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 6l behind Capone (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Methaaly (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 5l behind Lujeanie (8-10) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
