Victory Ide Say is bound to be popular with backers having belied market odds of 40/1 when a close up third behind Passion Overflow in a six furlong Kempton maiden last month and Peter Chapple-Hyam's gelding should appreciate the extra furlong today but the yard's runners are not in great form and preference is for MONTEROSSO, who gets the vote ahead of Fivefold. John Akehurst's colt has shown improved form in recent starts in handicaps and has earned his rating of 76 so he sets a decent standard among those with more experience. Jeremy Noseda's Darshonin was outclassed in the Timeform Million at Newmarket last time and may do better dropped into this grade, while Brave Enough stepped up from his debut effort when a close fifth at Wolverhampton last month and is likely to be thereabouts again. The vote though is for Monterosso, who represents the in-form yard of Mark Johnston, and he is likely to improve from his debut effort when a well held fifth in a Wolverhampton maiden in November won by Bronze Prince.
Castleburg 20-1 (8-12) Raced in 2nd until over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong, 10th of 14, 19l behind Redding Colliery (9-3) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Oct '08.
Sweet Applause (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden to go 3rd 2f out, one pace approaching final furlong, 4th of 13, 4l behind Spice Run (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Brave Enough (USA) 33-1 (9-3) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, one pace, 5th of 12, 3l behind Capricornus (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Darshonin 100-1 (9-3) Raced stands side, always behind, tailed off, last of 22, 50l behind Oasis Dancer (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo aut (2) gf in Oct.
Fivefold (USA) 11-2 (8-12) Led, ridden and headed well inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 7, 1l behind Danger Mulally (8-6) at Kempton 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Lingfield Bound (IRE) Dubai Destination colt out of Timewee.
Monterosso 12-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 12, 9l behind Bronze Prince (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Victory Ide Say (IRE) 40-1 (9-3) Slowly away, behind, headway over 1f out, not clearest of runs and switched right entering final furlong, ran on well under hands and heels to take 3rd and closing finish, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Passion Overflow (8-12) at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Bibiana Bay 80-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 12, 10l behind Two Kisses (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f 2yo mdn fll auc stks (5) pol in Dec.
