tracked leader, led over 6f out, until headed 2f out, kept on, weakened well inside final furlong
prominent, went 2nd over 5f out, ridden to lead 2f out, clear 1f out, driven and held on well final furlong
close up until lost touch 3f out, weakened quickly, tailed off
mid-division, chased leaders over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on onepace
towards rear, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, not reach leaders
mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong and gaining on winner near finish
soon led, headed over 6f out, weakened quickly from 5f out, tailed off
towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong nearest finish
started slowly, held up in rear, ridden 3f out, never a factor
Nonrunner
Mutamaasek is the obvious starting point but marginal preference is for Highest Esteem with Prime Number and Mister Fizzbomb best of the remainder. Mutamaasek is in the form of his life at present and is difficult for the handicapper to get the measure of given his style of racing. A 3lb rise for his latest win should prove far from insurmountable and he has every chance. Prime Number was three quarters of a length back in fourth on that occasion but there's a doubt as to whether this longer trip suits him as well as ten furlongs. Highest Esteem has done his winning in modest company and there's a chance that he could be caught out in this grade but he represents a shrewd yard that's unlikely to overface him. He displayed a taking turn of foot last time and that's a handy weapon to have in the armoury at this venue. Mister Fizzbomb was due to run at Kempton on Friday and that track may suit him better but he caught the eye on his all-weather debut in December. Red Wine could make the frame but it's been a long time since he got his head in front and the progressive Highest Esteem is preferred.
Prime Number (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led after 2f, quickened over 3f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 3/4l behind dhtrs Mutamaasek (8-8) & Kindlelight Blue (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Mutamaasek (USA) 2-1fav (8-8) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge 2f out, edged left under pressure inside final furlong, ran on to join leader at post, won at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol deadheating with Kindlelight Blue (9-4), 9 ran.
Three Thieves (UAE) 33-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders until lost place over 2f out, last of 8, 20l behind Art Man (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Highest Esteem 11-8fav (9-6) Prominent, not much room 2f out, quickened to lead inside final 2f, clear inside final furlong, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov beating Fantasy Ride (9-8) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Red Wine 12-1 (9-6) Started slowly, took keen hold, behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final 2f, never nearer, 7th of 13, 3l behind Resplendent Ace (9-2) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Motarjm (USA) 8-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway on wide outside, over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong went 2nd near finish not reach winner, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Potentiale (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Sept.
Mustamad 66-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon faded, last of 10, 16l behind War of The Roses (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Bienheureux 10-1 (8-12) Mid-division, headway 2f out, effort over 1f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong, 8th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Resplendent Ace (9-2) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Salut Saint Cloud 33-1 (8-7) Tracked leader, lost place in mid-division after 4f, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 10, 13l behind War of The Roses (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Mister Fizzbomb (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Soon outpaced in rear, behind 4f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 9, 2l behind Moment of Clarity (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
