Verdict

MAGIQUE has returned a losing odds-on favourite on her last two starts but remains difficult to oppose despite those disappointments. She was beaten only a head by a horse rated 74 at this track last time which gives her the beating of Mosman. The latter is consistent enough without showing any real progress and the newcomer Evan Elpus could prove a bigger danger. He's related to four winners, three of which scored on the all-weather, and is preferred to Taming The Tweet. Striking Echo is probably best watched on the evidence of a modest debut effort.

Formwatch

Evan Elpus (IRE) Footstepsinthesand colt out of Birthday.

Mosman 11-2 (9-3) Led narrowly 2f, pressed winner, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression when lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Makin (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol.

Striking Echo 66-1 (9-3) Always in rear, 11th of 13, 9l behind Staffhoss (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol.

Magique (IRE) 4-5fav (8-12) Took keen hold, held up in mid-division, came wide and headway on home turn, chased winner well over 1f out, every chance when edged right towards finish, just held, 2nd of 11, hd behind Aye Aye Skipper (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Nov.

Taming The Tweet Act One filly out of Pants.