tracked leaders, shaken up over 2f out, ridden, hung left and one pace over 1f out, no impression
held up in last, closed going well from 2f out, led 1f out, quickened clear, easily
tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon headed, not pace of winner
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, outpaced by winner final furlong
Dutch Decoy represents last year’s winning yard and remains on a winning mark despite scoring over track and trip last time. But DIAVOLO has the more scope having won at Kempton on his handicap debut and first start for Charlie Fellowes and is taken to defy a 6lb rise in this. Spartan Fighter narrowly beat Tadleel over course and distance last month but the latter has gone close again and can turn the tables today.
Diavolo (IRE) 8-11fav (9-1) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 2f out, led entering final furlong, ran on well, comfortably, won at Kempton 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Teston (9-6) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Tadleel 11-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, switched left 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Eagleway (9-3) at Southwell 7f hcp (3) pol in Jan.
Dutch Decoy 9-2 (9-7) Tracked leader, challenged 2f out, soon led, ridden and ran on inside final furlong, all out, won at Newcastle 7f hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Sir Maxi (9-4) by shd, 5 ran.
Spartan Fighter 17-2 (9-6) Raced wide, close up, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 11 1/2l behind Airshow (9-6) at Southwell 6f hcp (4) pol in Jan.