Verdict

Polar Chief won on his debut in a 7f Musselburgh maiden but is taking on much stronger opposition here, as is Bix who was having his seventh start when getting off the mark on heavy ground at Hamilton. DR PHIBES is equally exposed but certainly wasn't winning out of turn at Musselburgh at the end of last month having gone close on several occasions. The extra furlong should suit and Alan Swinbank's came make the most of the 5lb he receives from Arthurs Secret, who has disappointed since winning on debut at Beverley. Newcastle winner Allnecessaryforce is a danger, however, as he handles the ground and looks to be on an upward curve.

Formwatch

Arthurs Secret 3-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 1f, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon outpaced, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Beedee (8-13) at Kempton 7f 2yo nov auc stks (5) pol in Sep.

Dr Phibes (IRE) Evensfav (9-3) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon clear, ran on strongly, won at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Sep beating Gabrial's Wawa (9-3) by 4l, 8 ran.

Polar Chief 20-1 (9-3) Dwelt, towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge and hung right over 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong, led close home, won at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Jul beating Marhaba Malayeen (9-3) by hd, 6 ran.

Bix (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Hamilton 1m 2yo mdn (5) hvy in Sep beating Jullundar (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.

Allnecessaryforce (FR) 3-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, driven out, won at Newcastle 1m 2yo mdn (4) hvy beating Stagweekend (9-3) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.