slowly into stride, held up in rear but in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
dwelt, held up in touch, pushed along halfway, driven and stayed on to take 2nd at post
close up, ridden halfway, one pace final 2f
chased leader, ridden halfway, kept on same pace
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd post
in touch, ridden to lead well over 1f out, driven out
In the opener, we will side with Height Of Glory ahead of Brut, Kempsey and Stephanie's Mind. Brut's third to Orpen Wide on January 5 brings him into things, and his form rates solidly in the 50s. That should see him competitive. Height Of Glory cost 70,000 guineas and is well-related so take notice of what the betting market tells you. Kempsey is a low 60s-rated maiden and, much as he has to be considered, he might be done for toe at the business end. The Mark Wallace-trained newcomer, New Dancer, is likeably bred but this trip might be on the short side for him first time up. Chilali's best gives him a place shout, and Stephanie's Mind is also rated in the mid 60s following two good second-placed efforts over six furlongs, and connections clearly feel that she will appreciate a drop to five. However, and unless the market says something radically different, we will side with Height Of Glory.
Brut 9-2 Chased leaders until weakened final 2f, 6th of 10, 7l behind Cerebus at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp (E3) fbs in Feb.
Height of Glory (IRE) Grand Lodge colt, half-brother to 2yo winning miler Connor.
Kempsey 9-2 Led, ridden 2f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Bobski at Lingfield 6f 3yo mdn (D4) pol in Feb.
Chilali (IRE) 12-1 Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Town End Tom at Lingfield 5f 3yo sll (G4) pol in Feb.
Next Time (IRE) 25-1 Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 5l behind He's A Rocket at W'hampton 5f stk (H5) pol in Feb.
Stephanie's Mind 2-1 Tracked winner throughout, ridden and every chance from 2f out, hung left inside final furlong and not run on, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Yorkshire Lad at W'hampton 6f 3yo mdn (D3) pol in Feb.
New Dancer Zafonic colt out of winning stayer Paradise Soul.