tracked leader, driven to challenge over 2f out, soon one pace
held up in touch, headway over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ran on well
held up mid-division, effort over 2f out, never able to challenge
pulled hard, always in rear
led, driven over 2f out, headed and no extra just over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous
tracked leader, effort well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, never dangerous
KAZBOW could take all the beating and is fancied to lead the likes of Strathcal and Ebony Eyes home. Luca Cumani's charge has yet to open his account and has returned a beaten favourite the last twice, including when two and a half lengths behind Admirable Duque on his penultimate start. The pair meet on similar terms to Wolverhampton but Kazbow should get the run of this race and can gain revenge. Admirable Duque has an obvious chance on that form but did disappoint here on his penultimate start whereas Ebony Eyes has run well on both visits here and should be finishing strongly. The handicapper looks to have a firmer grip on Strathcal who has something to prove after a tame effort here last time but he may benefit from the drop back in trip. Broughtons Paradis has been performing with credit whilst Drum Dragon enjoyed a confidence boosting win in a Catterick claimer last month and both come under consideration but this could turn out to be a fair opportunity for Kazbow to gain a maiden success.
Strathcal 3-1 (9-8) Led, joined over 5f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon no extra, 3rd of 4, 22l behind Bow To No One (9-2) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Ebony Eyes 10-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Rowan Tiger (8-12) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Sep.
Drum Dragon 2-1fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead 2f out, soon in command, easily, won at Catterick 1m 4f app clm stks (6) gd in Oct beating Lost Soldier Three (9-9) by 3l, 11 ran.
Admirable Duque (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Dwelt, ridden soon after start, held up, lost place 7f out, ridden and in last place over 3f out, headway and not clear run and switch right entering final 2f, rapid headway to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct beating Kazbow (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Kazbow (IRE) 7-4fav (9-0) Led 3f, led again 2f out, ridden, hung right and headed inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Chookie Hamilton (9-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Key Regard (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Mannlichen (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Arcola (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) In rear, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Insolence (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f flls hcp (0-70) (3yo+) (5) pol.
Broughtons Paradis (IRE) 5-1 (9-1) In touch, headway on stand rail from 2f out, kept on to take 2nd that side last strides but no chance with winner in centre course, 2nd of 16, 2l behind Aine's Delight (8-6) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Oct.
