Smokey Bear won on good going here before going in again at Kempton but has yet to encounter testing ground. But it was soft when VISIBLE CHARM went close over 7f in a decent handicap at Newmarket a fortnight ago and the return to today’s shorter trip won’t be a problem for the Godolphin charge. Apollinaire was still well beaten when runner-up at Chester and Shammah’s recent narrow-margin defeat here came over the minimum trip. Indian Creak landed a nursery at Goodwood earlier but remains 9lb higher.
Indian Creak (IRE) 22-1 (8-13) In touch centre, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 28, 3 1/2l behind Under The Stars (8-10) at Newmarket 6f stks (2) gs in Oct.
Smokey Bear (IRE) Evensfav (9-9) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, switched right 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on, readily, won at Kempton 6f stks (5) pol in Oct beating Great Image (9-2) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Visible Charm (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Went right start, in touch centre, headway 2f out, soon every chance, ridden and unable to quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Tomfre (9-7) at Newmarket 7f (2) sft in Oct.
Apollinaire 5-2fav (9-8) Disputed lead until led over 4f out, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Know No Limits (8-11) at Chester 6f stks (4) sft in Jun.
Shammah (IRE) 4-1 (9-6) Raced keenly, chased leaders, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed and not pace of winner near finish, 2nd of 6, nk behind Bushtucker Trial (9-1) at Newbury 5f (4) gs in Aug.
Wentworth Amigo (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway chasing leaders halfway, weakened inside final 2f, 12th of 14, 9l behind Homespin (9-3) at Goodwood 6f (2) gf in Aug.
No Mercy 50-1 (8-13) In touch centre, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 11th of 28, 10 1/2l behind Under The Stars (8-10) at Newmarket 6f stks (2) gs in Oct.
Sir Gordon 9-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along and slightly outpaced 2f out, rallied and stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Calippo (8-12) at Leicester 6f stks (5) gf in Jul.