soon led, ridden over 3f out, clear 1f out, caught near finish
held up, not clear run well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders, 2nd when bumped over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, headway 3f out, switched right and chased leader over 2f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression
behind, bumped after 1f, soon pushed along, ridden 4f out, headway on inside over 1f out, ran on to lead near finish
always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led early, soon in mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
This is very much a case of 'whose turn is it today'. And we opt to take our chance with Welsh Wind, who has been holding his form well enough to expect him to make a bold bid to turn the tables on Buscador. The moods of the David Evans-trained Alafzar are hard to predict these days, but he has ability and has to be considered as a live danger in this company, while Mobo Baco is another to consider if he attracts any interest from the betting ring. However, they are all hard to win with and need everything to drop right. Buscador, like the selection arrives here in great heart and will be no push over if he continues to thrive. However, the 7lb claimer Adam Kirby has already been a decisive factor in getting the best out the nine-year-old this season and the partnership have plenty in their favour from a draw on the rails today.
Buscador (USA) 11-2 Led, ridden 3f out, headed post, 2nd of 12, shd behind Anduril at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (F4) pol in Feb.
Welsh Wind (IRE) 11-2 Keen, close up on inner, going well just inside final 2f, ridden and no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 3l behind Barton Sands at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (G4) pol in Feb.
Alafzar (IRE) 12-1 Chased leaders, driven 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Zariano at Lingfield 1m sll (G4) pol in Jan.
Bontadini 20-1 Keen, soon led, headed over 7f out, remained prominent, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 9th of 13, 11l behind Indian Blaze at Lingfield 1m 2f stk (H5) pol in Feb.
Kalani Star (IRE) 7-1 Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on, never nearer, 4th of 12, 3l behind Anduril at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (F4) pol in Feb.
Mobo-Baco 7-2jt-fav In touch, ridden over 1f out, edged left and kept on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Anduril at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (F4) pol in Feb.
Rolex Free (ARG) 10-1 Prominent, ridden to join leader over 6f out, driven 4f out, kept on one pace final 2f, 4th of 9, 10l behind Kylkenny at Southwell 1m 4f clm (F4) fbs in Feb.
Moon Royale 100-1 Always behind, last of 10, 23l behind Prince Dayjur at W'hampton 7f sll (G4) pol in Jan.
Mulan Princess (IRE) 66-1 Led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 8l behind Friends Hope at W'hampton 1m 1f fll hcp (F4) pol in Feb.
Peace Emblem (IRE) 14-1 In touch, led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Vizulize at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn clm (H5) pol in Feb.