pushed along start, led early, soon tracked leader, pushed along 2f out, drifted left under pressure, one pace
soon led, pushed along before 2f out, ridden along over 1f out, lost lead inside final furlong, weakened
held up, travelled well 2f out in fourth, switched right 1f out, pushed along and soon led inside final furlong, impressive
KHATHAK will likely start a short price to defy a penalty. Charlie Appleby’s charge beat a horse rated 84 when making a winning debut at Kempton last month and is preferred to stablemate and newcomer Sarangani. The latter is related to a Group 2 winner and makes more appeal than Oceania Legend while Come On John beat only one of nine runners over 7f here and steps up in trip.
Khathak 5-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, travelled strongly and ridden at 2f, ran on well to lead inside final furlong, won at Kempton 1m stks (5) pol in Dec beating Asean Legend (9-2) by shd, 11 ran.
Come On John (IRE) 40-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, well beaten inside final 2f, 8th of 9, 8 1/4l behind How Impressive (9-5) at Newcastle 7f stks (5) pol in Jan.
Oceania Legend (IRE) Australia gelding out of Ame Bleue.
Sarangani Shamardal colt out of Tasaday.