tracked leader until 2f out, ridden and hung left until over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied, led post
In an interesting four-runner affair, Resplendent Alpha is selected ahead of Cesc. Cesc's winning run came to an end here last time but that came in a Listed race that the winner stole. He has to be considered in what could be a tactical affair. Resplendent Alpha is the highest rated of these though and, with a sharpener for the season under hs belt, he looks the one to beat. His juvenile form was solid enough in Listed class. It looks as though Majuro's form - he ended last season by winning a class 4 event - is the stronger of the Mick Channon pair and, with the stable having started the season pretty well, he is not ruled out but the vote goes to Resplendent Alpha.
Cesc 11-1 (9-1) Held up, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, effort over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 12th of 13, 8l behind Hinton Admiral (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo lst stk (1) pol in Mar.
Resplendent Alpha (8-11) 6th of 8, 3l behind Prior Warning (8-11) at Deauville 6f stk std in Mar.
Majuro (IRE) 4-11fav (8-13) Made all, driven out, won at Leicester 7f 2yo stk (4) gs in Oct beating Carwell (8-11) by 7l, 3 ran.
Heywood 5-1co-fav (8-12) In rear, never nearer, 9th of 13, 6l behind Market Day (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp (2) pol in Oct.