led early, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and weakened entering final furlong
in touch, close up 7f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leader, led 2f out, pushed clear approaching final furlong, ridden out
soon led, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, chased clear winner, kept on one pace
close up, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slow into stride, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and some headway entering final furlong, not trouble leaders
KING OF THE SOUTH (NAP) is at his best on Tapeta and can continue winning ways having scored by a couple of lengths at Newcastle last time. Third-placed Nao Da Mais re-opposes on better terms but also has something to find with Alfred Boucher on earlier running at Kempton and the latter remains 8lb higher than when last successful. Pivoine is another beaten by the selection at Newcastle while both Cardano and Kasperenko are unpredictable types and the latter has to race off a much higher mark back on the all-weather.
Nao Da Mais (BRZ) 11-1 (9-10) Led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, dropped to 3rd and no extra entering final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind King Of The South (9-4) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Alfred Boucher 50-1 (9-4) Always in rear, 9th of 10, 5 1/4l behind Shandoz (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f lst stks (1) pol in Nov.
King Of The South (IRE) 3-1fav (9-4) Held up in 4th, pushed along and headway out wide over 2f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Nov beating March Law (9-2) by 2l, 8 ran.
Cardano (USA) 50-1 (9-3) Off the pace in last pair, never a factor, 22nd of 23, 22 3/4l behind Farhan (8-3) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Pivoine (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Raced keenly tracking leaders on inside, pushed along over 2f out, soon ridden and unable to quicken, 4th and no impression final furlong, 4th of 8, 4l behind King Of The South (9-4) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Kasperenko 9-1 (9-7) Dwelt in rear, headway halfway, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 16 1/4l behind Going Gone (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct.