led until 3f out, chased leader until over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
disputed close 3rd on outside, went 2nd over 2f out, led inside final 2f, narrowly headed entering final furlong, rallied close home, always just held
disputed close 2nd, led 3f out, pushed along and headed inside final 2f, weakened inside final furlong
chased leading trio, effort on inside over 2f out, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead and edged left entering final furlong, stayed on gamely, driven out
Nonrunner
Secretive won here on debut and can be forgiven for a poor effort at Wolverhampton last time out as it appeared beyond a mile didn't suit. We take a chance in this race as Sahara King will likely be a very short price and instead we go for AATTASH. Dropped back to a mile after two underwhelming runs over further where he weakened in the latter stages, he is officially rated the highest of these and likely to lead from the front may be able to get back to winning ways. Sahara King has clearly taken to racing remaining unbeaten in two starts. He may well go off as favourite for this and given the way he has raced at Lingfield another good run is expected. Kalk Bay will need to find more to compete but has the benefit of William Buick in the saddle. Aattash is the tentative choice.
Aattash (IRE) 12-1 (9-6) Broke well, soon held up in touch, ridden and weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 12, 19l behind Opera Gal (8-4) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Sep.
Sahara Kingdom (IRE) 2-9fav (9-5) Dwelt, soon led, made rest, shaken up over 1f out, ran on final furlong, won at a canter, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo nov stks (4) pol in Nov beating Ongoodform (9-5) by 5l, 4 ran.
Secretive 8-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 13, 11l behind High Twelve (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Sep.
Kalk Bay (IRE) 11-10fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway and effort over 2f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, soon no impression, lost 2nd final 50 yards, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Little Scotland (8-6) at Newcastle 7f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Sep.
Bell's Ocean (USA) 33-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, towards rear, plugged on one pace final 2f, never going pace to threaten leaders, 6th of 13, 5l behind Blue Noodles (8-5) at Kempton 1m clm stks (0-65) (6) pol in Sep.