held up, headway on outside over 1f out, ridden and went 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out until well inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
raced keenly, led, pushed along over 2f out, headed 2f out, soon ridden, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, held up, headway on outside under pressure over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
tracked leader, led over 1f out, pushed along and ran on well, eased close home
chased leaders on inside, outpaced over 1f out, never troubled leaders after
Mount Tahan arrives in fine form having landed a course and distance double and looks sure to make another bold bid. But he was narrowly beaten by last year’s winner PACTOLUS (NAP) here in November and the latter is fancied to confirm running on more favourable terms. Stuart Williams’ charge also has the beating of Kyllachy Gala and Third Time Lucky but Star Archer may prove a threat after making a successful reappearance in novice company here having missed the whole of last year. Former Ballydoyle inmate Diodorus remains relatively unexposed but Qaffaal has something to prove over today’s trip.
Mount Tahan (IRE) Evensfav (9-9) Steadied start, keen in touch in rear, headway over 1f out, soon chased leader, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, stayed on to lead final strides, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (3) pol in Jan beating Maratha (8-9) by nk, 5 ran.
Pactolus (IRE) 13-2 (9-9) Tracked leader, ridden to lead inside final furlong, soon headed and no extra, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Ay Ay (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (2) pol in Jan.
Third Time Lucky (IRE) 7-1 (9-7) Slightly hampered start, held up and always towards rear, never a factor, 7th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Star Quality (8-2) at Kempton 7f hcp (2) pol in Jan.
Diodorus (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, recovered to soon track leader, ridden over 2f out, bumped well over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Sir Chauvelin (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Star Archer 4-7fav (9-9) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, headway to chase leader over 1f out, led inside final furlong, readily, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (5) pol in Jan beating Sam Missile (10-3) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Qaffaal (USA) 12-1 (8-9) In touch in rear, ridden and headway inside final furlong, running on when not clear run towards finish, 5th of 7, 1 1/4l behind Goring (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp (2) pol in Jan.
Kyllachy Gala 3-1cfav (9-8) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, soon no impression, 5th of 6, 4l behind Ay Ay (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (2) pol in Jan.
