dwelt, chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
soon outpaced and switched wide, stayed on from over 1f out, never dangerous
dwelt, in rear, ridden and some headway 3f out, no impression final 2f
tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, hung left and weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden half way, never trouble leaders
slowly into stride, soon outpaced
Emperor Cat is the pick over previous course and distance winners Smart Scot and Kumakawa, with Rosti best watched on his return. Emperor Cat probably needed the run when third behind Pawn In Life in a claimer over a mile here a fortnight ago, as he was returning from a two-month break, and so although this promises to be a bit more competitive, he should be that bit sharper. Although bred to stay further, he seems to prefer racing over less than a mile so the return to today's trip will be in his favour. Smart Scot reeled off four wins at this track last winter and his recent second to Rocky Reppin in selling company showed that he could be a danger, but it has to said that he is now fully exposed. Kumakawa is now seven-years-old and will offer no surprises, but he too ran quite well when a close second to Air Of Esteem the time before last. Rosti has a successful all-weather campaign last term but has not been seen since running at Ayr last April and has to be watched, while Spy Master was having his second run back from a break when fourth over the course and distance three weeks ago. He was unlucky to finish second on one occasion here last February, but that was over six furlongs. A tentative vote goes to Emperor Cat.
Emperor Cat (IRE) 14-1 Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, no extra, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Pawn In Life at Southwell 1m clm (F4) fbs.
Iamback 9-2 Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 12, 20l behind Buscador at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (G4) pol.
Kumakawa 9-2 In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened, 9th of 12, 10l behind Pirouettes at W'hampton 1m 1f stk (H5) pol in Jan.
Power To Burn 16-1 Close up, led over 4f out, headed over 3f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 14, 6l behind Shifty at Southwell 1m stk (H5) fbs in Jan.
Rosti 11-8fav Always behind, last of 8, 14l behind Stellite at Ayr 7f stk (H) gd in Apr.
Smart Scot 7-2 Close up, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Rocky Reppin at Southwell 7f sll (G4) fbs.