led 1f, remained in touch, challenged on inside 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, tracked winner after 4f, ridden over 2f out, soon lost place, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong, no impression
held up behind, headway on outside 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner final 100 yards, always held
led after 1f, made rest, ridden 2f out, stayed on well final furlong
took keen hold, held up in 4th, effort 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, outpaced 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, never able to challenge
None of these can be ruled out in a tight handicap and the speculative vote goes to SHIRATAKI to follow-up his recent C&D victory. He just held off the attentions of the re-opposing Shalambar last time, however, and the latter has every chance of turning the tables while Honourable Knight beat the selection here in January and has solid claims on that form. Spiritual Art returned to winning ways at Lingfield recently and is only 3lb higher today and C&D winner Jamjaro went very close at Wolverhampton on his latest start. War Of The Roses ran a shocker last time but was well backed and the multiple Polytrack winner is not out of this.
Spiritual Art 16-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, led entering final 2f, ridden over 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hacp 0-70 (5) pol beating Eagle Nebula (9-4) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Jamarjo (IRE) 9-2 (9-7) Took keen hold, chased leader, led narrowly 4f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Holden Eagle (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Honourable Knight (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) In touch in rear, ridden to go 4th over 3f out, no impression from over 2f out, 4th of 7, 11l behind Country Road (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.
Shalambar (IRE) 6-1 (8-13) Led early, tracked leader, pushed along to chase winner over 2f out until over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Shirataki (8-11) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Shirataki (IRE) 2-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders in 3rd, quickened to lead over 3f out, soon driven and gained advantage, held on towards finish, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Shalambar (8-13) by nk, 4 ran.
War of The Roses (IRE) 11-4fav (9-12) Held up in touch in mid-division, improved on inside 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 26l behind Magic Millie (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.