Experimentalist was beaten only a nose on his comeback at Kempton and first start for Tim Vaughan. Previous winner Llamadas wasn't far behind and it's difficult to separate that pair. Honest Strike couldn't follow-up an earlier win here when fifth on his latest outing and steps up in trip today while Turjuman doesn't look any nearer to ending his long losing run. DR FINLEY won over today's distance at Thirsk in August and this looks less competitive. Lydia Pearce's charge had a spin over hurdles in November and may well be far enough forward to make a winning return to the Flat.
Dr Finley (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Prominent in chasing group, driven over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 8th of 15, 10l behind Jawaab (9-9) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
The Ducking Stool 33-1 (9-0) Mid-division in touch, chased leaders over 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, never on terms, 5th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Kames Park (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-62 (6) pol.
Llamadas 11-2 (9-6) Tracked leaders, hampered and lost place over 2f out, headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, held close home, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Entitlement (9-1) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Turjuman (USA) 14-1 (8-6) Behind, never dangerous, 8th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Kames Park (9-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f Handicap (0-63) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Honest Strike (USA) 5-2 (8-12) Took keen hold, soon tracking leading trio, ridden to dispute 3rd 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, lost 4th close home, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Stentorian (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Rulbin Realta 66-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, driven and headway on outside over 3f out, plugged on same pace final 2f, 6th of 15, 14l behind Tartan Jura (11-9) at Goodwood 2m hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct.
Poppy Gregg 50-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, moderate headway on inside over 1f out, 6th of 13, 14l behind Coup De Grace (9-1) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Experimentalist 6-1 (9-12) Held up, headway over 5f out, not much room and switched left over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, soon headed, ran on, just held, 2nd of 9, ns behind Entitlement (9-1) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Sonara (IRE) 50-1 (8-8) Chased leader until ridden and dropped to 3rd approaching halfway, reminder 7f out, weakened over 4f out, eased when no chance final 3f, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Right Stuff (9-9) at Lingfield 2m clm stks (6) pol.
