mid-division, ridden and headway on outside over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong
mid-division, outpaced 3f out, ridden 1f out, never on terms
chased leaders, driven 2f out, soon ridden, no impression when not much room and weakened inside final furlong
towards rear on outside, outpaced and wide entering straight, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong, never near leaders
held up behind, driven and headway over 1f out, squeezed through between horses inside final furlong, ridden and ran on to lead final stride
chased leaders on inside, ridden and lost place 1f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous
with leader, led 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, kept on, headed final stride
led narrowly, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division on inside, switched right and headway over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never reached leaders
Plenty with claims in this although Invigilator is facing a much tougher test than his recent win over C&D and Strong Man's victory came over an extra furlong. Belle Bayardo failed to follow up his C&D victory off today's mark at Kempton during the week so it could pay to stick with GABRIAL'S GIFT. The latter has finished ahead of Key Ambition on his last couple of starts, including a win at Lingfield, and should make another bold bid. Fred Willetts and Dancing Maite are both capable at this level on their day and are others to consider.
Gabrial's Gift (IRE) 10-1 (9-9) Close 5th on inside, effort 2f out, ridden and chased leaders over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Atlantis Crossing (9-6) at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Fred Willetts (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Outpaced in rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 11, 6l behind Forest Edge (9-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Key Ambition 20-1 (9-5) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden over 1f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Atlantis Crossing (9-6) at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Dancing Maite 13-2 (9-0) With leader, led over 3f out, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Steel Rain (9-4) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-55 (6) sft in Nov.
Khawatim 25-1 (9-7) Soon outpaced, in rear until ridden and kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Danzoe (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Dancing Welcome 20-1 (8-8) Pushed along in rear, never nearer, 7th of 11, 5l behind Fathsta (9-4) at Wolverhampton 6f Handicap (0-78) (3yo+) (5) pol in Dec.
Belle Bayardo (IRE) 11-1 (9-1) In touch in 5th, headway on inside over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Alnoomaas (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Shawkantango 20-1 (9-1) Detatched in rear, never a factor, last of 10, 12l behind Gabrial's Gift (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Strong Man 9-4fav (9-5) Made all, ridden clear entering final furlong, driven out, won at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Dec beating Ifan (9-4) by nk, 9 ran.
Alive And Kicking 16-1 (8-13) Led until over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 11, 13l behind Hamoody (9-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Invigilator 9-4fav (9-6) Held up in mid-division, headway 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, led close home, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec beating Colourbearer (9-7) by nk, 11 ran.
