with leader, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, kept on
slowly into stride, held up and keen, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in touch, ridden 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden well over 1f out, no impression
tracked leaders, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong
Nonrunner
DEFECTOR won what may prove a more competitive contest last time and looks worth backing to follow up, possibly at the expense of Fandango Boy and Dinner Date. Willy Muir's gelding has proved really consistent on artificial surfaces and gained a deserved success last time out, when too strong for Fernando Torres over today's course and distance. A 4lb rise doesn't look too harsh and with today's opposition arguably not so strong we fancy winter King Neil Callan to guide him home in front. Dinner Date goes well here and ran with credit last time out. He runs off the same mark here and interestingly connections turn to the capable Ross Atkinson to ease the burden through his 5lb claim, and this one should run a solid race despite the fact this will be the eight-year-old's first try at seven furlongs since 2004. Fandango Boy has his second start for in-form Ian Williams and should do better than when fourth last time. The nine-year-old won a couple of races at Dundalk and he should be suited by dropping back to seven furlongs, so with Eddie Ahern booked it isn't unreasonable to expect this one to be well backed before running with credit. Valentino Swing receives plenty of weight and has run well lately, although he's now 4lbs higher than when second last time and our selection has only received a similar punishment for winning. Lord Fidelio won a course and distance maiden last time and remains unexposed, although on the face of it this mark looks harsh and this is a veritable baptism of fire taking on hardened handicapper's. Rondeau has an in-and-out profile but would have a chance if on a going day, Premier Lad was well backed last time but looks a better proposition at Southwell, and I Confess continues to look well-treated but shows little spark. With Resplendent Nova looking up against it we'll return to last time out winner Defector, who should take all the beating once more.
Defector (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Mid-division, headway when not much room over 2f out, eased out left well over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec beating Fernando Torres (9-0) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Rondeau (GR) 11-4fav (9-1) Slowly into stride, switched right start, took keen hold in rear, ridden 2f out, no impression, 10th of 11, 5l behind Moojeh (9-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
I Confess 4-1 (9-1) Disputed lead, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 11, 2l behind Moojeh (9-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Dinner Date 7-1 (9-0) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Hereford Boy (8-10) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Resplendent Nova 5-2fav (9-4) Chased leaders, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 6l behind Nacho Libre (8-13) at Kempton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Lord Fidelio (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, soon no impression, 6th of 9, 4l behind Rubenstar (9-1) at Lingfield 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Fandango Boy 7-2 (9-6) Held up in touch, tracked leaders over 2f out, soon driven, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 4l behind African Cheetah (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Premier Lad 11-2 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 2l behind Charles Parnell (8-9) at Southwell 6f hacp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Valentino Swing (IRE) 13-2 (8-7) Held up in touch, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Nacho Libre (8-13) at Kempton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
