chased leaders, driven to challenge over 3f out, led over 1f out, all out, just held on
tracked leader, led over 4f out, hard ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, faded final furlong
led until over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Only 6lb separates the field but this is less competitive than it looks at first glance. Hallstatt has the form to figure but hasn't raced since June last year while Reasons Unknown has plenty to prove over the longer distance and With Hindsight is 11lb higher than his win at Kempton in January. Brunello has done most of his racing and recorded his only win so far at Southwell and that leaves BLAZING DESERT. Well beaten over hurdles last time, he followed-up a victory here with a close-up second to Waving last month and makes most appeal in this.
Blazing Desert 11-4 (9-3) Tracked leader until over 5f out, went 2nd again over 3f out, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed close home, 2nd of 5, nk behind Waving (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.
Hallstatt (IRE) 3-1 (8-13) Tracked winner, ridden and every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Veloce (9-3) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
With Hindsight (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Keen tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Calypso Magic (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Dec.
Brunello 3-1 (9-1) Close up, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 20l behind Masterful Act (9-2) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Reasons Unknown (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Behind, never nearer, last of 6, 9l behind Yojojo (8-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.