dwelt, in rear took closer order 5f out, ridden to go 3rd 1f out never dangerous
tracked leading pair, led approaching 2f out, ridden and ran on
held up, ridden over 3f out, not pace to challenge
tracked leader, ridden to chase winner and every chance 2f out, kept on one pace
set steady pace, clear halfway, tried to quicken and headed approaching 2f out, soon weakened
Withdrawn
A return to more patient tactics should see Prince Charlemagne go close, however K'GARI is back to his last winning mark and is preferred to Star Choice. The selection has not been in great form of late over hurdles, however he might appreciate a return to the flat. He beat Baltimore Patriot off this mark last November and if in the same form then he should run a big race off his light weight. Himba is more known as a chaser but is not dismissed racing off this sort of mark, however a bigger threat looks to be Prince Charlemagne. He has plenty of ability but he is best produced very late and William Carson will need to get this ride spot on. Strikemaster is a stablemate of the selection and is considered off this mark of 60 as his recent hurdling efforts have been good, Star Choice tries the blinkers after a consistent but winless run, whilst Gandalf completes the line-up. He won at Kempton last September and this ex-Irish gelding should not be discounted off a 5lb higher mark. A tricky end to the day for punters, however we will place our faith in K'Gari.
Gandalf 5-1 (9-4) Held up in last pair, pushed along and struggling from over 2f out, 7th of 8, 16l behind Arab League (8-11) at Newbury 2m app hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
Star Choice Evensfav (9-7) Led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Bariolo (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.
Strikemaster (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Always in rear, 7th of 8, 21l behind Charging Indian (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f hacp 0-70 (5) fbs in Jan.
Himba 50-1 (8-12) Led, headed after 2f, ridden and weakened 2f out, 12th of 15, 30l behind Atlantic Coast (8-4) at Newbury 2m hcap (5) gd in Aug '07.
K'Gari (USA) 17-2 (9-7) Led to halfway, soon ridden and lost place, tailed off 3f out, 10th of 11, well behind William's Way (10-9) at Southwell 2m Amateur Handicap (0-65) (4yo+) (6) fbs in Jan.
Prince Charlemagne (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Tracked leader 5f, stayed in 3rd, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 5l behind Sinbad The Sailor (9-1) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.