good speed to lead from wide draw and keen, ridden over 1f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead again towards finish
tracked leaders in 4th and raced keenly, pushed along on outside over 2f out, ridden in 3rd and kept on same pace final furlong
held up last, pushed along over 2f out, plugged on in 4th entering final furlong
chased leaders on inside, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened soon after
chased leader, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed and no extra towards finish
NonRunner
Obtuse was engaged at Lingfield yesterday but takes on much better company in both races as he bids for a five-timer. The unbeaten Bravado easily beat Rohaan at Lingfield and should have no problem confirming the form and, though having a bit to find on official ratings, is improving fast. MIGHTY GURKHA won a Group 3 over the course and distance in September and has been racing at a high level subsequently including at the Breeders' Cup. He had Zamaani behind in the former event and at Wolverhampton last time and, though slightly worse off at the weights, can confirm the form and take this.
Mighty Gurkha (IRE) 7-2 (9-9) Led narrowly, ridden over 2f out, still narrow advantage inside final furlong, headed final strides, 2nd of 7, shd behind Victory Heights (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Bravado (FR) 16-5 (9-8) Made all, led, skaken up and kicked clear 1f out, ridden out and kept on strongly close home, cosy, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Rohaan (9-7) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Loyal Havana 11-4 (8-10) Raced keenly tracking leaders on inside, switched out over 2f out, ridden in 2nd and every chance over 1f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Melody Of Life (8-10) at Kempton 7f stks (5) pol in Jan.
Rohaan (IRE) 11-8fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, travelling easy in last 1f out, soon shaken up and ran on strongly, not enough to catch winner, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Bravado (9-8) at Lingfield 6f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Zamaani (IRE) 5-2fav (9-2) Prominent, settled behind leaders 4f out, ridden on outside over 2f out, close up inside final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 7, 1/4l behind Victory Heights (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Obtuse (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Made virtually all, edged slightly right over 1f out, soon well in command, ran on well, won at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Jan beating Stay Smart (9-7) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.