in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, led over 2f out, pushed clear over 1f out, easily
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, not quicken final furlong
behind, hung left over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
slowly into stride, behind, ridden when headway and hung left over 1f out, kept on, never nearer
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
soon prominent, every chance over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened quickly
held up, ridden and headway well over 1f out, soon edged right, ran on, nearest at finish
led early, prominent, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
This should not take too much winning, and Critic has leading claims over the rest, including Pretty Sister, Didn't We and Blue Beacon. Critic has the edge in experience here over his 11 rivals, having had four starts as a juvenile. The son of Fasliyev caught the eye on his Doncaster debut back in May when finishing eighth to Sir Xaar despite being slowly away and being hampered. However, he failed to progress from that in the main, but returned from a break to post a creditable fourth at York in October. That form entitles Michael Bell's charge to respect, and if he is anywhere near fit after a three month absence, then he should prove the one to beat. Willie Haggas saddles a newcomer in the shape of Pretty Sister, whose dam is a half-sister to First Trump, so she is bred to be useful and is worth noting. Didn't We had two outings in the space of 10 days last September, running well at a big price on his Newmarket debut and then handling the Polytrack when fourth at Lingfield. He has been absent since, but has that bit of experience. Blue Beacon has a top pedigree, being by Fantastic Light out of Blue Duster but she has not shown much in two starts to date. She will be worth more in the paddocks eventually with a win or two under her belt, so her progress on the track should be monitored closely. On this occasion though, it is Critic that stands out as the likely winner.
Critic (IRE) 10-3 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 20, 3l behind Gee Dee Nen (8-9) at York 1m 2yo mdn aut (4) sft in Oct.
Didn't We (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, kept on, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Prince Tamino (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Sept.
King's Melody King Charlemagne colt out of an unraced mare.
Palm Desert (IRE) Spectrum gelding out of an unraced mare.
Rudry World (IRE) Spinning World gelding, half-brother to winning sprinters After Shock and Born For Dancing.
Blue Beacon 16-1 (8-9) Prominent, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, edged left and weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Hard To Explain (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
Pretty Sister Groom Dancer filly out of a moderate racemare.
Shardia (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, headway on inner over 1f out into 4th, no extra final furlong, 5th of 8, 13l behind Annabelle Ja (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Dec.
