chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened final furlong
chased leader, ridden to lead briefly entering final furlong, unable to quicken and just held on for 2nd
chased leaders, led inside final furlong, driven clear
held up, effort on inside over 2f out, no impression
took keen hold, led, pushed along over 1f out, headed and unable to quicken inside final furlong
held up, hard driven over 1f out, edged right, switched left and ran on inside final furlong to press for 2nd, no chance with winner
Withdrawn
Nonrunner
KINGSGATE CASTLE is marginally preferred to Muktasb and Grand Palace. Sarah's Art looks high enough in the weights for now whilst Hayley Turner's Luscious Lips make no appeal judged on her December showing but Music Box Express is worth bearing in mind on his return from an absence. The selection is also returning from a break and makes his debut for a new yard having been picked up cheaply at the October sales. He showed ability when running all bar one of his eight races at Lingfield and landed a maiden at the track in January 2008. A bit has to be taken on trust and market support would be desirable but Kingsgate Castle has enough ability to be chanced here. Muktasb is probably the one to beat following his narrow defeat over course and distance last time and he should make a bold bid to go two places better. His stable companion Grand Palace also comes into the race in good heart and should give it a good go but will need a personal best to defy his present mark. He's not a solid option but Kingsgate Castle gets the vote.
Sarah's Art (IRE) 3-1fav (8-11) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders on inside over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Gwilym (8-7) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Atheer Dubai (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Made all, led, pressed inside final furlong, stayed on gamely, pushed out, won at Lingfield 5f mdn stk (5) pol in Nov beating Madame Hoi (8-12) by a nk, 9 ran.
Grand Palace (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, driven, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Whiskey Creek (8-9) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Kingsgate Castle 14-1 (9-1) In touch, close up over 1f out, no extra close home, 3rd of 12, nk behind Lord Deevert (8-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Music Box Express 15-2 (8-10) Reluctant and led to post; led after 1f, ridden 2 lengths clear 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened quickly, 9th of 12, 7l behind Welcome Approach (8-5) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Muktasb (USA) 12-1 (8-13) Switched right start, held up in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, just missed 2nd, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Royal Envoy (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Luscious Lips 66-1 (8-10) Chased winner after 1f until over 2f out, weakened quickly, 10th of 11, 26l behind The Game (9-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Dec.
Mansii 11-2 (8-13) Held up, ridden and effort over 1f out, never reached leaders, 6th of 9, 3l behind Royal Envoy (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
