dropped in start, held up, effort over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
chased leader, edged left from over 2f out, soon beaten, well held last over 1f out
raced freely, led edged left and headed over 1f out, held by winner final furlong, kept on
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, no impression
Spirit Kingdom remains unpredictable and My Dear Friend steps up from 6f for his handicap debut and return to action having been gelded during the summer. Spirit Warning ran well for second over track and trip on his handicap debut behind a William Haggas-trained winner but the latter runs KENTUCKY KINGDOM today and he gets the vote having narrowly missed out over 7f at Newcastle last time. This extra distance will suit and he’ll prove a popular choice with Ryan Moore taking over the reins.
Spirit Warning 11-2 (9-7) Keen led 2f, close up, headway 2f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Alkaamel (8-10) at Kempton 1m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Kentucky Kingdom (IRE) 5-4fav (9-2) Held up in touch, driven to chase leaders over 2f out, ridden 1f out, kept on and every chance inside final 100 yards, just held, 3rd of 10, shd behind Dutch Pursuit (9-7) at Newcastle 7f stks (5) pol in Jan.
My Dear Friend 11-4cfav (9-2) Prominent on rail, edged left throughout, weakened final furlong, 7th of 16, 12l behind Dunkerron (9-2) at Windsor 6f stks (4) gf in Jun.
Spirit Kingdom (USA) 20-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 10, 10 3/4l behind Eden Gardens (9-7) at Kempton 1m (5) pol in Nov.