tracked leader, effort over 1f out, soon one pace, weakened close home
mid-division, under pressure over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, outpaced over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, faded final furlong
held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead closing stages
led, driven when headed well inside final furlong, kept on well under pressure
Another tricky puzzle to unravel but we'd be happy to take on Secret Millionaire, who is struggling at present. Foxtrot Jubilee could benefit from James Rogers' allowance but Quickaswecan continues to frustrate and the handicapper may have a grip on Multitask. Varsovian is back over his best trip and could easily bounce back, however, and Suitsus and Monarch Maid are also short-list material. TOP OFFER was only beaten a neck by Varsovian over course and distance in November and is 4lb better off. Peter Crate's charge deserves the vote on that piece of form and has gone close since at Kempton.
Secret Millionaire (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Dwelt always in rear, 7th of 8, 8l behind Shyron (9-7) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Foxtrot Jubilee (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Midfield, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 7l behind Lady Brigid (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Dec.
Quickaswecan 5-1 (9-6) Slow into stride, soon recovered to track leaders over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, faded inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 6l behind Razin' Hell (8-13) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Multitask 8-1 (9-7) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, never on terms, 5th of 12, 4l behind Jungle Bay (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Varsovian 7-2fav (9-4) Midfield, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Jungle Bay (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Top Offer 7-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, midfield, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, ran on, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Dont Have It Then (9-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Dec.
Suitsus 8-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Desert Strike (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Monarch Maid 2-1fav (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Johnny Splash (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.