This is the most competitive race on the card and so just a narrow vote is given to Blacktoft, Croix Rouge and Choristar are just two of many dangers. Blacktoft was victorious over the ten furlong trip at Lingfield back in early January, before being just pipped over course and distance recently. There were some progressive and in form rivals in that event and so the form could be rock solid. The former Amanda Perret inmate Croix Rouge was successful twice in Spain during the summer. He didn't show much on his return to these shores last month but may well have needed the run and could go well at a decent price. Choristar hasn't been out since September, but does have claims on the pick of last season's form, if fit following his holiday he should be involved in the finish. Turner's Hooch is from a yard going well and can also be given a chance here, but Blacktoft does appear to have the best recent form and he edges the decision.
Jackie Kiely 6-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led 4f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, 4th of 7, 4l behind Dundry (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Torrens (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, kept on, 6th of 13, 8l behind Dragon Slayer (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Silverhay 7-1 (9-5) Raced keenly, prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 4l behind Melvino (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Turner's Touch 10-1 (8-8) Took keen hold in rear, hard ridden over 2f out, headway to go 4th entering final furlong, kept on, not trouble leaders, 4th of 10, 4l behind Eva Soneva So Fast (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Blacktoft (USA) 2-1jt-fav (9-4) Held up, improved 2f out, pressed winner from over 1f out, just held, 2nd of 6, shd behind Greenbelt (8-4) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Kylkenny 15-2 (8-6) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden and lost place 4f out, last of 7, 43l behind Dundry (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Croix Rouge (USA) 16-1 (9-9) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden and weakened 3f out, 5th of 7, 27l behind Positive Profile (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Waterloo Corner 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 6l behind Can Can Star (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Jan.
Choristar 11-4fav (9-9) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace, 4th of 16, 1 1/2l behind Bridegroom (8-10) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.
Greenbelt 10-1 (8-4) Made most, ridden over 2f out, pressed from over 1f out, stayed on, won at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Blacktoft (9-4) by a shd, 6 ran.
Credential 4-1 (8-6) With winner, pushed along 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 8l behind Greenbelt (8-4) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
