with leader, ridden and every chance from 2f out, slightly outpaced approaching final furlong, stayed on again inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and every chance from 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, rallied and stayed on close home
slowly away, pulled hard, held up, stayed on, never dangerous
dwelt, always in rear
in touch, ridden and outpaced 2f out, ran on inside final furlong
held up, never trouble leaders
chased leaders, ridden and every chance from 2f out, led 1f out, driven out
This listed handicap has thrown together some interesting contenders including recent impressive winner Obe Gold and Clive Brittain's highly regarded Tony James, however we will give the vote to Richard Hannon's Kamakiri. This son of Trans Island progressed nicely last season, culminating in a smooth victory at Sandown. There were three previous winners in that event, including recent Dubai winner Blues and Royals, so the form looks very decent and he must go close off bottom weight. Obe Gold landed a very competitive conditions race at Kempton over the six furlong trip last time. He struggled on his only venture over this distance last season, but he wasn't stopping at the end of that contest and the extra year may have improved his stamina. Tony James gets a good word from his trainer following some excellent efforts in good company last season. He will be fit having had a couple of spins in Dubai and he shouldn't be underestimated here today. The selection's stable companion Cornus looks the best of the others on the pick of last season's form, but there could be a lot more to come from Kamakiri who is a confident choice.
Tony James (IRE) Mid-division; ridden & weakened from halfway, 13th of 15, 30l behind Parole Board at Nad Al Sheba 1m 1f 3yo stk gd in Mar.
Josh 33-1 Keen, held up mid-division, ridden 2f out, soon no impression, 6th of 9, 5l behind Ad Valorem at Newmarket 6f 2yo Grp 1 (A1) gd in Oct.
Obe Gold 4-1 With leader, ridden 2f out, rallied well to lead inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Kempton 6f stk gd in Mar beating If Paradise by 1l, 6 ran.
Cornus 10-3co-fav Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 22l behind Andronikos at Doncaster 6f 2yo lst stk (A1) sft in Oct.
Harvest Warrior 10-1 Tracked leaders, slightly hampered after 1f, outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well, nearest at finish, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Andronikos at Doncaster 6f 2yo lst stk (A1) sft in Oct.
Stetchworth Prince 16-1 In touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 11, 9l behind Tony James at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (A) sft in Aug.
Black Velvet 14-1 Chased leaders ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 10, 6l behind Shamardal at Goodwood 7f 2yo Grp 2 (A) gd in Jul.
Kamakiri (IRE) 6-4jt-fav Raced keenly, tracked leader, led inside final 2f, clear when jumped path inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Sandown 7f 2yo stk (C) gf in Aug beating Active Asset by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.