Grey Gurkha caused a bit of a surprise last time out when scoring at 12/1, however there appeared to be no fluke about that performance and so Ian McInnes' charge gets the vote to win at the main expense of Earl Kraul and Formidable Guest. A penalty for that win at Kempton makes life tougher today but he was value for more than the bare winning margin on that occasion and Grey Gurkha can follow up here. A wide draw is not ideal but he is likely to held up anyway so assuming that the gaps appear when needed late on, he can come out on top. Earl Kraul has claims, and the market will help establish whether a big run is forthcoming from Gary Moore's gelding although he is no stable star. Blakeshall Hope showed a lot more last time out with a fair third and has claims if reproducing that run, whilst Only Hope has had plenty of chances and is not one to trust implicitly. The consistent Formidable Guest should go well for trainer Jeff Pearce assuming that there is a true gallop, however it is the recent winner Grey Gurkha who receives the nomination.
Grey Gurkha 12-1 (9-1) Towards rear, headway 2f out, quickened to lead well inside final furlong, soon clear, comfortably, won at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol beating Korty (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Earl Kraul (IRE) 17-2 (8-7) Held up, chased leaders over 2f out, went 2nd well over 1f out, no chance with winner, lost 2 places inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 6l behind Carlitos Spirit (9-3) at Kempton 1m app hcp (6) pol.
Theatre Royal 20-1 (8-8) Held up behind, no headway final 2f, 9th of 13, 5l behind Mr Napoleon (9-2) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp (6) pol.
Morbick 25-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 6l behind Confidentiality (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Don Pasquale 13-2 (8-8) Always in the rear, 10th of 12, 7l behind Mighty Mover (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Formidable Guest 10-1 (8-10) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to challenge, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 7l behind Mutamaasek (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Only Hope 66-1 (8-9) Steadied start, took keen hold behind, headway over 2f out, staying on when not clear run over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Smokey The Bear (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Not Too Taxing 66-1 (9-4) Mid-division, driven along 5f out, soon behind, virtually pulled up final 2f, tailed off, last of 13, well behind Im Ova Ere Dad (10-0) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Aug.
Miss Sure Bond (IRE) 25-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, soon intouch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 12, 27l behind Confidentiality (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Blakeshall Hope 20-1 (8-8) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden 2f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Beck (8-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol.
Sea Frolic (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Always in rear, 9th of 13, 36l behind Young Scotton (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov.
Van Ruymbeke (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, in rear, never nearer, 7th of 11, 12l behind The Salwick Flyer (8-12) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs.
Mays Louise 100-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 11th of 12, 33l behind Kissing (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn stk (5) pol in Nov.
