steadied start, held up in rear on inside, switched right and headway to go 4th approaching 2 out, soon ridden, hung left, weakened towards finish
led, ridden and headed 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
keen, tracked leading pair, led 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on strongly
raced wide, held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out
tracked leading pair, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway to chase winner approaching 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on, not pace to challenge winner
Maslak looks the percentage pick over Fusili, Tilapia and Generous Lad. The selection has been in good nick of late and delivered over course-and-distance last time out. He is set to reoppose Tilapia but that mare has struggled to get her head infront off similar marks and a similar scenario looks likely to ensue. Tilapia seemed all at sea at Southwell but appears better suited by this surface. A previous course winner, this is far from a gimme for connections. Generous Lad has had a short break so it will be interesting to see whether there is any evidence of support in the betting ring. La Estrella was last seen out when winning over hurdles so should not want for fitness. Bazart continues to search for his first victory since leaving France. Maslak does have the handicapper to contend with here but his obvious class can shine through.
Tilapia (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Held up 4th, chased the leaders 2f out, edged right well over 1f out, led over 1f out, ran on and held on well, driven out, won at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Man of Gwent (8-10) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
La Estrella (USA) 7-2fav (9-7) In touch, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, pushed along when not much room 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 5l behind Birkside (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Maslak (IRE) 5-1 (9-1) Held up, headway to lead 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Fusili (9-5) by 1l, 6 ran.
Bazart 17-2 (9-0) Tracked leader until 3f out, soon weakened, last of 6, 13l behind Maslak (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Art Modern (IRE) 9-2 (9-13) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, slipped on bend 4f out, headway on outside 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Langford (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f clm (6) pol in Oct.
Generous Lad (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, some headway over 1f out, never on terms, 4th of 8, 9l behind Baylini (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Prince Charlemagne (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) Held up, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 8, 3l behind Emperor Court (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Fusili (IRE) 13-2 (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden when short of room over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Maslak (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
