held up in last pair, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, kept on towards finish, just missed 3rd
confidently ridden and waited with in rear in slowly run race, switched left and smooth headway on outside 2f out, quickened to lead approaching final furlong, soon clear, not extended
steadied and went right start, raced keenly in last trio, never on terms
chased leaders, went 2nd 2f out, ridden and chance until winner quickened on approaching final furlong, no chance with winner
led, brought field to near side rail and set steady pace, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong
chased leader until pushed along 2f out, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
The betting suggested ALKAAMEL was expected to improve at Kempton when handicapping for the first time and he duly won with plenty in hand. The runner-up has already boosted the form by beating Spirit Kingdom and William Haggas’ charge is taken to shrug off a 6lb rise. But he won’t have things all his own way given Fayetta went close on novice company at Wolverhampton last time and Curfewed was beaten less than a length over track and trip on his handicap debut. Joza and So Hi Storm will need to improve to figure while Quduraat has something to find with the selection.
Curfewed (IRE) 66-1 (9-7) In rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway and edging left over 1f out, went 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Battle Of Wills (9-7) at Newcastle 1m (5) pol in Dec.
Fayetta 12-1 (8-11) Tracked winner, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and unable to quicken close home, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Princess Salamah (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (5) pol in Dec.
Alkaamel 2-1fav (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on, won at Kempton 1m hcp (5) pol in Jan beating Spirit Warning (9-7) by 2 1/4l, 9 ran.
Joza (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden into moderate 7th 2f out, 5th and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 13 3/4l behind Beau Warrior (9-3) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Dec.
So Hi Storm (IRE) 9-4fav (9-1) Led, ridden and unable to quicken approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 7, 2 1/4l behind Black Medick (9-7) at Lingfield 7f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Spirit Kingdom (USA) 25-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 4, 4 1/4l behind Spirit Warning (9-7) at Kempton 1m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Quduraat 66-1 (8-13) Raced wide towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 9, 6 1/2l behind Alkaamel (8-10) at Kempton 1m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
