steadied start, settled rear, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble leaders
in touch 5th, good headway to lead on inside well over 1f out, ran on, no extra when headed well inside final furlong
took keen hold, close up 3rd, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong, ridden out
raced keenly, pressed leader, led after 1f, edged left and headed well over 1f out, soon weakened
led 1f, tracked leader, effort when carried left well over 1f out, not quicken and weakened over 1f out
in touch, kept on to take 3rd 1f out, no chance with 1st 2
Edge Closer, Ceremonial Jade and Ajigolo look the principals here with Edge Closer taken to come out on top. A good second in Listed company, three time winner last year Ceremonial Jade was made favourite to score on a return to handicap company last time but could finish only fourth. He may have to settle for a place here. Ajigolo has won three of his last eight starts, and ran well to be a close second in a handicap last time. He is not well treated at the weights here but can give a good account. Edge Closer has won four of his six starts with his only blemish a slightly disappointing run at Ascot on his final start. He can be forgiven that run as he may have had enough then. Edge Closer can resume winning ways over a course and distance where he has already been successful.
Ajigolo 7-2 (9-4) Steadied start, took keen hold, still on bit over 1f out, ridden and strong run inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Benllech (8-7) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Ceremonial Jade (UAE) 10-3fav (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Atlantic Story (9-2) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Edge Closer 4-1 (9-4) Pressed leaders, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Genki (9-1) at Ascot 6f 3yo hcp (2) gd in Sept.
Garstang 5-1 (8-10) Went right start, held up and keen, ridden halfway, never dangerous, last of 12, 4 1/2l behind Bo McGinty (8-11) at Haydock 5f hcap (4) gf in Sept.
Lucky Kyllachy (USA) 11-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 19l behind Kabeer (8-1) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs in Jan.
Machinist (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Always struggling, last of 12, 18l behind Frosty Secret (9-3) at Nad Al Sheba 6f hcp std in Feb.
King of Dixie (USA) 11-10fav (9-11) Made all, shaken up over 1f out, kept on, won at Kempton 7f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan beating Bussell Up (8-2) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.