Verdict
Fallen Idol is respected but may not be an attractive price so we'll take a chance with INVINCIBLE SOUL whilst Red Badge should also go well. John Gosden won this race with a fair sort last year and there should be plenty more to come from Fallen Idol who impressed at Kempton in September when beating more experienced rivals. He's well related and bred to do better at three as he steps up in trip, is held in some regard and is clearly a decent prospect. He could be priced accordingly though and lacks experience so it may be wise to try and take him on and we'll do so with Invincible Soul who took four attempts to shed his maiden tag. The second home has franked the form with a maiden win this season and is well entered up suggesting that the Hannon runner may be able to cope with a mark of 84. The handler is also represented by Red Badge who showed a consistent level of form on a sound surface last season and should have more to offer. Duellist has his work cut out to reverse Kempton form with Huygens, Karaka Jack will enjoy the shorter trip and Blakey's Boy the drop to handicap company in a competitive opener where Invincible Soul may prove to be the value.
Formwatch
Raine's Cross 4-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, kept on until no extra towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Zeitoper (8-11) at Epsom Downs 1m 2yo stk (3) gf in Oct.
Huygens 7-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, soon ridden, ran on strongly to lead inside final furlong, readily, won at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Mar beating Navajo Chief (9-7) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Red Badge (IRE) 13-2 (8-12) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, 8l behind Carnaby Street (8-12) at Newbury 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Karaka Jack 28-1 (9-3) Raced centre, prominent, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 16, 9l behind Coordinated Cut (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo aut stk (2) gd.
Blakey's Boy 16-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, weakened over 2f out, last of 8, 10l behind Morana (9-0) at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Fallen Idol 4-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, ridden and ran green, switched left over 1f out, ran on to lead final strides, won at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Sep beating Golden Shaheen (9-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Duellist 11-4fav (9-0) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Gallant Eagle (8-12) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Invincible Soul (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leading pair, switched left over 1f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, driven out, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct beating Fair Trade (9-3) by hd, 13 ran.
