always in rear
held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on without threatening
made all, ridden 2f out, ran on well
chased leader, ridden over 2f out, ran on but always held
held up, pushed along over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden 3f out, no extra
Oh It's Saucepot has won twice around here though this could be a bit on the short side on her return from a long break. The City's Phantom reappeared after a year off to land a course and distance maiden handicap last July so the long absence won't be a concern. THE FIRST KING has also won after a break and ended last season prematurely with a 50/1 victory in a Class 3 Sandown handicap. He's only had four starts so should be capable of even better. Asiaaf is another lightly-raced type and has changed stables. She's taking a drop in class and if ready after a long absence has to be greatly respected as does the hat-trick seeking El Conquistador, though Stuart Williams' charge is 7lb higher than when completing a Lingfield all-weather double in minor handicaps.
The First King (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Towards rear, wide and headway from over 2f out, ridden to lead just inside final 2f, driven and all out, won at Sandown 1m 2f hcp (3) gf in Jul beating Enemy (9-3) by shd, 8 ran.
Asiaaf 9-4fav (8-9) Close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 11 3/4l behind Angel Power (9-0) at York 1m 2f hcp fll (2) gd in Aug.
The City's Phantom 17-2 (9-5) Soon prominent, led over 7f out, headed well over 1f out, no extra, last of 11, 13 1/2l behind Declared Interest (9-8) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Oct.
Oh It's Saucepot 16-1 (9-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 9, 8l behind Opera Gift (8-12) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Crimson King (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Steadied start, held up last, headway out wide into 3rd over 2f out, ridden and no impression when hung right over 1f out, 3rd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Amazing Red (9-7) at Leicester 1m 4f hcp (3) gf in Apr.
El Conquistador (USA) 6-5fav (9-7) Towards rear, headway approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Mar beating Dawn Treader (8-13) by 2 1/4l, 13 ran.