steadied start, keen, held up in touch, improved to go 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, shaken up, joined post
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
reared start, in rear, improved halfway, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
disputed lead until over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to share spoils post
The improving Wynberg gets the confident vote here with Talamahana and Seductive Witch rating the main dangers. The selection has won his last two races in good style notably when beating Alabama Spirit and, although rising in the weights, he looks progressive and he is taken to defy the handicapper under conditions that suit. Talamahana rates the main danger as he also won last time out when beating Rhode Island Red but he lacks the scope of the selection and is taken on with this in mind. Seductive Witch has place claims on her best form but is bred to be suited by further while Shabnaam and Whistful Miss have shown little of late and for the winner we return to the progressive Wynberg.
Wynberg (IRE) 5-4fav (8-13) In touch, quickened to lead 1f out, ran on, won at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Alabama Spirit (9-1) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Talamahana 15-2 (8-9) Always prominent, ridden over 2f out, hung left, led just over 1f out, driven out, won at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Rhode Island Red (9-0) by 1l, 8 ran.
Shabnaam 33-1 (8-9) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 8l behind Bertbrand (8-11) at W'hampton 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Whistful Miss 40-1 (8-4) Chased leaders to halfway, 9th of 10, 13l behind Harbour Blues (8-13) at W'hampton 6f 2yo clm (6) pol in Nov.
Seductive Witch 12-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, lost place after 2f, not much room over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 5th of 8, 4l behind Talamahana (8-9) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jan.
