led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra towards finish
close up, ridden to chase leading pair when hung left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden and headway entering final furlong, kept on one pace
towards rear, headway entering final furlong, ran on to lead towards finish
tracked leader, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra towards finish
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden halfway, driven 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner
GEORGE GURU won last year's renewal and looks to have every chance again despite a slightly higher mark. It seemed 1m2f proved too far for him at Kempton last time but his earlier second to Solar Deity over track and trip has since been boosted by the latter winning a Listed race. George Baker's charge can reverse December's running on better terms with Grey Mirage and come out best. The latter is a leading contender once again but better was expected from Mia's Boy in the Lincoln Trial last week, although he did finish ahead of the temperamental Loyalty. Benzanno showed good progress last year and a 5lb claimer helps his cause on his return while Dubai Dynamo will have come on for last week's reappearance over 6f and has slipped down to a tempting mark.
Bronze Prince 50-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 16th of 19, 9l behind Imperial Guest (9-4) at Goodwood 7f hcp (2) gs in Aug.
George Guru 6-1 (9-4) In rear, ridden and kept on entering final furlong, 5th of 7, 3l behind Robin Hoods Bay (9-7) at Kempton 1m 2f hcap (2) pol.
Mia's Boy 17-2 (9-7) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and no impression final furlong, 4th of 12, 3l behind Strictly Silver (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
Loyalty 14-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden over 1f out, never on terms, 9th of 12, 6l behind Strictly Silver (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
Dubai Dynamo 25-1 (9-0) Slowly away in rear, wide and ran on final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Tarooq (9-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcap (2) pol.
Benzanno (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) In touch on outside, headway towards near side over 3f out, chased leader over 2f out, led and hung left over 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Haydock 1m hcp 0-95 (3) hvy in Oct beating Chosen Character (8-12) by 4l, 12 ran.
Grey Mirage 3-1fav (8-12) Led after 1f, ridden 2 lengths clear approaching final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Emerald Wilderness (9-7) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Feb.
Mr Red Clubs (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon pressed winner, weakened towards finish, 6th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Aquilonius (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Feb.
Swing Alone (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) In touch in rear, switched to outer halfway, headway 3f out, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Boonga Roogeta (8-4) at Newmarket 1m Apprentice Handicap (0-85) (3yo) (4) sft in Nov.