always behind
tracked leaders, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, weakened 2f out
went right start, led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace
always behind
mid-division, never dangerous
in rear, ridden well over 1f out, no impression
Ratings would suggest that this lies between Borderlesscott and Desert Lord but the former has had only a handful of starts at this trip and has never won at the minimum. Thus, this looks a decent opportunity for Desert Lord to gain his first success since 2006 but any rain would play into the hands of Fathom Five who progressed well last year and who looks capable of developing into a decent sprinter. The selection may be without a victory since his Arc triumph but he ran several excellent races last season, including when second in the Nunthorpe, and should land this under his ideal conditions providing the ground stays on the quick side. The case against Borderlesscott has been stated whilst Fathom Five would prefer rain and has too much ground to make up on official figures to be put forwards with confidence on his return. Canadian Danehill and Look Busy are playing for places at best and Desert Lord should be able to win the first battle of his new campaign.
Alfie Lee (IRE) 150-1 (7-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 12, 8l behind Divine Spirit (9-3) at Musselburgh 5f hcap (4) gs in Sept.
Borderlescott 9-4fav (9-2) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, chased leaders 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Maltese Falcon (9-2) at Lingfield 6f lst stk (1) pol in Nov.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 22-1 (9-4) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Chief Editor (9-3) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Apr.
Desert Lord (9-0) Prominent, 2nd straight, weakened approaching final furlong, 9th of 13, 12l behind Sacred Kingdom (9-0) at Sha Tin 6f Grp 1 (1) gd in Dec.
Fathom Five (IRE) 13-2 (9-7) Chased leaders centre, ridden halfway, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 13th of 20, 6l behind Northern Fling (8-13) at York 5f 3yo hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Mutayam 100-1 (8-6) Always towards rear, 11th of 12, 23l behind Rebel Duke (9-9) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Apr.
Valiant Romeo 16-1 (9-2) Behind and soon outpaced, ridden halfway, kept on one pace, 5th of 10, 7l behind Monashee Brave (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f sll (6) gd in Nov.
Look Busy (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Led stand's side duo and on terms, ridden and every chance when hung left over 1f out, beaten when hampered inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 5l behind Floristry (8-10) at Doncaster 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Oct.