prominent, led over 3f out, ridden and slightly bumped 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close up
slowly away and went right start, raced wide tracked leaders, 6f out, every chance when hung left 2f out and bumped rival, led inside final furlong, asserted close home
keen led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out
close up, pushed along to chase leading pair over 2f out, kept on same pace
BLUE HERO finished runner-up at Wolverhampton on his first start since being gelded and on debut for Mick Appleby’s yard. He looks set to open his account having placed here on his penultimate outing. The remainder have no experience of the Fibresand with Deep Impression and Smart Qibili failing to figure in the same race at Kempton last time having both finished in a place earlier while Zarina Grande steps up from 7f and Influence Is Power is fitted with headgear for his handicap debut.
Smart Qibili (USA) 15-2 (9-11) In touch, pushed along and headway 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace, 5th of 11, 4 3/4l behind King Of Tsavo (9-5) at Kempton 1m (5) pol in Dec.
Deep Impression (IRE) 50-1 (9-4) Towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway entering final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 4 3/4l behind King Of Tsavo (9-5) at Kempton 1m (5) pol in Dec.
Blue Hero (CAN) 7-2 (8-4) Steadied start, raced in last, headway on inside over 1f out, not much room briefly 120 yards, soon went 2nd, not trouble winner, stayed on, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Final Voyage (9-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Zarina Grande 8-1 (8-13) Always towards rear, 6th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Esticky End (8-6) at Newcastle 7f (5) pol in Dec.
Influence Is Power (IRE) 11-1 (9-5) Midfield, pushed 4f out, ridden 2f out, dropped to rear and beaten before final furlong, last of 12, 13 1/4l behind Spirit Of Rowdown (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f (6) pol in Nov.