led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced over 3f out, headway to chase leading trio over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on but no chance with winner
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
keen, held up in rear, pushed along and struggling from 3f out
steadied start, held up in rear, headway to go 3rd over 3f out, ridden and one pace from over 1f out
dwelt, soon tracked leaders, chased leader 4f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear
pushed along in rear, behind and outpaced halfway, ran on final furlong, never dangerous
pulled hard, tracked leader until halfway, soon weakened
There isn't much between Ace Of Spies and Copperwood on the offical ratings, but there are plenty of other dangers in what looks a strong maiden. Narrow preference is for Ace Of Spies who looks progressive. It is of interest that Copperwood and Ace Of Spies both try again in maidens despite being handicapped now so it may be that both are assumed to be flattered by official ratings, however Ace Of Spies is given the nod. Mark Johnston passed the 2000 winner mark earlier this week and this Machiavellian colt is fancied to reward those who keep the faith having been turned over at odds-on last time out. Fairfield Flame and Throne Of Power look the two most interesting newcomers and need to be watched in the betting, whilst Brave Hawk and Boy On A Swing are both potential improvers having both only had one start, although neither excelled. Copperwood ran poorly on his last run but is rated better than that and may appreciate this new trip, however we will side with Ace Of Spies as the selection.
Ace of Spies (IRE) 8-15fav (9-3) Led, ridden clear over 1f out, weakened rapidly and headed final furlong, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Vettorenjoy (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Boy On A Swing (USA) 14-1 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 9th of 13, 4l behind Gallic Charm (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn aut (6) pol.
Brave Hawk 10-1 (8-9) Behind, ridden over 2f out, no impression, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 14, 9l behind Baron's Court (8-9) at Kempton 7f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan.
Copperwood 6-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 10l behind Beacon Lodge (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Gang Show (IRE) Desert Prince gelding out of 7f-1m2f winner Terry Jean.
Throne of Power (USA) Pulpit colt, half-brother to winning sprinter Coronado Rose and miler Thunder Pass.
Fairfield Flame (GER) Oasis Dream filly, half-sister to numerous winners from 1m-1m4f and over hurdles.
Station Place 33-1 (9-0) Behind, lost touch over 2f out, tailed off, 8th of 10, 22l behind Bauhaus Bourbon (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn fll aut (6) pol in Dec.
Golden Horus (USA) 66-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride in rear, headway over 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 12, 8l behind Call of Duty (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Dec.