Aegean Dancer has been knocking on the door and can open his account now, with Agilete expected to be his only serious rival. Aegean Dancer was placed second three times on Turf in the summer, and it is a little surprising to see him turned out here rather than wait for the new Turf season to begin in March. One can only assume that he is thriving at home for Bryan Smart to try him on this Fibresand surface, and if he takes to it, lack of fitness may not be so much of a worry. His only real rival appears to be Agilete who is also trying this surface for the first time. He is vastly more experienced than our selection but is equally more exposed. As for the rest, the market may prove to be the best guide, as none make any appeal whatsoever, so we have no hesitation in nominating Aegean Dancer as the one to be on.
Aegean Dancer 85-40 (9-0) In touch, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, always held, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Molly Marie (8-9) at Redcar 6f mdn stk (5) frm in Jun.
Agilete 25-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 5l behind Mina A Salem (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Ash The Cash (IRE) High Roller gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Christian Bendix 5-1 (8-12) Hampered start, behind, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Preskani (9-4) at Southwell 6f stk (7) fbs.
Fayrz Please (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Never better than mid-division, 7th of 14, 11l behind Desertina (8-11) at Southwell 6f stk (7) fbs in Oct.
Freshwinds 66-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 12, 14l behind Baba Ghanoush (8-9) at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol.
Sion Hill (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) With leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 12, 5l behind Soul Provider (8-11) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Life Is Rosie (IRE) 50-1 (8-2) Tracked leader until weakened quickly over 3f out, 10th of 12, 15l behind Baba Ghanoush (8-9) at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol.