Stan Moore could hold the key to this contest and of his pair we like AVOW ahead of Maoi Chin Tire, with Major Maximus rated next best. Our selection hasn't been seen since September but took second over this course and distance that day. Rated 66 on the back of it, the gelding comes out best on adjusted figures and so if he's fit to go after the absence his claims are obvious. It'll be interesting in light of that to see how the market shapes up, particularly in relation to Maoi Chin Tire who himself looks to have claims. Liam Keniry's mount ran well on his only previous try here and is only narrowly passed over, with a slight doubt as to whether he'll be suited by six furlongs as much as his stable companion. Major Maximus also has claims on his best form, and this well-related sort should benefit for stepping back to this trip having been outstayed over a mile last time. He comes out second best on the ratings so must be considered, as should Exearti although this filly gives plenty of weight away and might be a better animal at Southwell. Emma Jean Lass is another with place claims on the pick of her form but of more interest at potentially a bigger price is Mind The Monarch, who receives plenty of weight and should find the distance ideal. Wigan Lane is well-in on some of his better efforts but hasn't been in great form lately, whilst Lairy and Novillero both need to find improvement from somewhere, so we'll return to Avow for our idea of the winner.
Exearti 17-2 (8-12) Raced keenly, made all, ridden over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Southwell 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) fbs in Dec beating Zubova (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Maoi Chinn Tire (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Disputed 2nd, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 5l behind Sabatini (9-5) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Emma Jean Lass (IRE) 7-1 (7-13) Held up towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 10l behind Tiradito (8-9) at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) pol.
Major Maximus 2-1 (8-5) Last to break, held up, went 3rdover 1f out, not pace of front pair, 3rd of 4, 4l behind Glen Lass (8-8) at Kempton 1m 2yo clm stks (6) pol in Dec.
Avow (USA) 25-1 (8-5) With leader and keen, ridden and every chance over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, hd behind Saxby (8-13) at Kempton 6f 2yo clm stks (6) pol in Sep.
Novillero 25-1 (8-4) Held up mid-division, one pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Lisahane Bog (9-4) at Kempton 7f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Wigan Lane 14-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway to chase leaders over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 12l behind Lisahane Bog (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Lairy (IRE) 11-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, edged left and weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 6l behind The Love Guru (9-1) at Southwell 6f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Mind The Monarch 6-1 (9-4) Dwelt, towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Miami Gator (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
