prominent, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, led and hung right inside final furlong, stayed on, won comfortably enough despite winning margin
led, headed 8f out, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on inside 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway 13f out, outpaced over 2f out, well beaten final furlong
held up in rear, headway 9f out, led 8f out, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
held up, lost place 8f out, switched right and closed over 1f out, switched right and went 2nd inside final furlong, carried right, stayed on, held close home
ALABASTER missed the whole of last year and has slid down the weights since returning to action. He came up against a progressive type when a well beaten second at Lingfield last time but this looks easier and Sir Mark Prescott’s grey gets the nod. Lopes Dancer has been in good form over shorter trips but will need to improve on his earlier attempt over 2m at Newcastle while Seinesational progressed nicely last year having won over today’s distance at Kempton in October but will be sharper for today’s outing. Bumper winner Country'n'western could get involved but winning hurdler Knight Commander has yet to score on the Flat and is racing from out of the weights.
Alabaster 6-1 (9-13) 2nd of 12, 8l behind Eden Rose (9-7) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Seinesational 3-1 (9-9) 7th of 9, 12 1/2l behind Sassie (9-2) at Kempton 2m hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Lopes Dancer (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Desert Ruler (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Feb.
Country'n'western (FR) 8-1 (11-2) 7th of 17, 3 1/2l behind Extreme Appeal (10-0) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in Mar.
Uncle Bernie (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) 5th of 10, 11l behind French Mix (11-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Black Noah 25-1 (9-3) last of 13, dist behind Champarisi (8-12) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Knight Commander 20-1 (8-12) 4th of 11, 3 1/4l behind Tin Fandango (9-3) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) pol in Apr.