An interesting maiden can go to Barshiba ahead of Barkass and and a whole host of newcomers from big yards. The market should definitely be monitored here for the likes of Zaham, Fantastic Cee and Ochre, any of whom could be good enough first time. However, Barshiba has solid claims, having posted an eyecatching performance on her debut here in December, losing many lengths at the start before finding only the odds-on Basaata too good. She need only improve a fraction to go close today. Basaata's trainer Marcus Tregoning is double-handed here with Adabi and Barkass, and it is the latter that is preferred of the pair. This son of Halling was not far behind stablemate Noojoom on his second racecourse appearance three weeks ago, and although lacking a change of gear so far, can make experience count to at least take a hand in the finish. Of those newcomers mentioned earlier, Zaham hails from the Mark Johnston stable that has enjoyed a bit of success with unexposed sorts on the all-weather of late, but we return to Barshiba as the answer.
Adabi 11-2 (9-3) Slow into stride, always towards rear, 11th of 14, 7l behind Lone Wolfe (9-3) at Kempton 7f 3yo mdn aut (5) pol in Jan.
Barkass (UAE) 9-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders on outer, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Noojoom (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Camp Counsellor Royal Applause colt, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m.
Surrey Spinner 7-2 (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon pushed along, always behind, last of 10, 10l behind Thousand Words (9-0) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jun.
Zaham (USA) Silver Hawk colt, brother to 1m2f winner Alqaab, half-brother to winning miler Rise And Fall.
Bali Belony 100-1 (9-0) Started slowly, always in rear, 8th of 10, 15l behind Colchium (9-0) at Kempton 1m mdn fll (5) pol in Dec.
Barshiba (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Very slowly into stride, headway over 1f out, stayed on well, improve, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Basaata (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Dec.
Elamar Rainbow High filly, half-sister to numerous winners up to 1m2f.
Fantastic Cee (IRE) Noverre filly, half-sister to winners up to 7f.
Gee Ceffyl Bach Josr Algarhoud filly, half-sister to 1m-1m2f and hurdles winner Arry Dash.
Ochre (IRE) Diktat filly, sister to 7f & 1m winner Vista Bella.
Tia Jade 80-1 (9-1) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 14l behind Noojoom (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
