tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
in rear and in touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
made all, ridden inside final furlong, just held on
in touch in 4th, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked winner, ridden inside final furlong, kept on and just failed
held up towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
SIR MAXIMILIAN, a Grade 3 winner in Dubai last March, was having his first start since later that month when failing to concede 5lb to Chookie Royale at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day. The terms are the same here but Ian Williams' charge can reverse the form with that run under his belt before heading back to warmer climes. Alben Star was a 25/1 chance when landing the 2014 All-Weather Sprint Championship and hasn't won subsequently. He hasn't been beaten far in his last three starts at a much higher level than this and should give a good account despite a lay-off. Intransigent was less than a length behind Chookie Royale here in November and though that was over 7f he's equally at home over this trip so rates a threat.
Sir Maximilian (IRE) 8-1 (9-9) Tracked leaders, driven to chase winner over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Chookie Royale (9-4) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Alben Star (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) In rear, not clear run and hampered over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, went 4th towards finish, 4th of 13, 3 3/4l behind Maarek (9-0) at Beverley 5f lst stks (1) gd in Aug.
Chookie Royale 7-4fav (9-4) Made all, driven 2f out, ridden over 1f out, clear when edged left inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec beating Sir Maximilian (9-9) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Horsted Keynes (FR) 7-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 2f out, never able to challenge, eased final furlong, last of 8, dist behind Chookie Royale (9-4) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Intransigent 4-1 (9-3) Close up, ridden 2f out, keeping on same pace when short of room inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Cold As Ice (9-5) at Chelmsford City 7f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Hallelujah 8-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, ridden 1f out, kept on, 6th of 11, 3l behind Lancelot Du Lac (9-7) at Kempton 6f hcp (2) pol in Nov.