led, headed over 3f out, soon under pressure, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, under pressure 4f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway from just over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, no impression on leaders
tracked leader, led over 3f out, driven clear approaching final furlong, stayed on well
slowly into stride, behind, headway 2f out, soon hung left and chasing winner, never able to challenge
chased leaders, under pressure over 4f out, never on terms
dwelt, behind, moderate late headway, never nearer
FUJIN DANCER is one of the lowest rated runners in this field but we fancy him to take this claimer ahead of the likes of Clear Sailing and Cupid's Glory although he was due to run in a handicap on Thursday. Laurie Grove is the highest rated individual but has work to do at the weights, hasn't won since landing a maiden on his second start and has yet to prove his effectiveness at this trip. Head Down has plenty to prove in terms of his form and the trip and a bigger threat may be posed by Kindlelight Blue who didn't fare too badly last time and drops in grade. Hold The Bucks was well held behind Clear Sailing over course and distance and David Evans' runner has to be respected but he could set this race up for something coming from off the pace. Cupid's Glory has plenty to prove these days but can't be ignored for a yard that has a good record at the track in these types of races although preference is for Fujin Dancer. He's been a consistent performer since being dropped to this grade but found that the twelve furlong trip stretched him at Wolverhampton despite a canny ride. He's worse off with Clear Sailing than when beaten by that rival at Wolverhampton in December but may be better suited by this test so we'll take a chance that Fujin Dancer can reverse the placings.
Laurie Grove (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Held up in touch, keen, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 5, 3l behind Rocky's Pride (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm stks (6) in Dec.
Head Down 33-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 9, 13l behind Pegasus Again (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) in Dec.
Kindlelight Blue (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra near finish, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Trifti (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Clear Sailing 13-8fav (8-6) Made all, quickened over 2f out, strongly challenged inside final furlong, stayed on gamely, won at Lingfield 1m 2f Claiming Stakes (0-70) (4yo+) (6) pol beating Magnitude (8-3) by nk, 6 ran.
Cupid's Glory 40-1 (9-8) Always in rear, well beaten over 2f out, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Mildoura (9-8) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) std in Nov.
Hold The Bucks (USA) 7-1 (8-4) Held up, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 11l behind Clear Sailing (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f Claiming Stakes (0-70) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Awatuki (IRE) 50-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, always behind, 12th of 13, 17l behind Tripitaka (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Fujin Dancer (FR) 4-1 (8-8) Pressed leader, every chance well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 7l behind Chosen Forever (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
