CEREMONIAL JADE was a useful horse in his heyday. He hasn't won for some time now but Marco Botti's charge could afford to run well below his current mark and still win this contest. He's difficult to oppose with only Army Of Stars and Desert Dreamer looking capable of giving him a race. The latter returns from a lengthy absence but the former went close over C&D in September. It's difficult to recommend any of the remainder who face an uphill struggle on these terms.
Ceremonial Jade (UAE) 14-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out, 8th of 12, 6l behind Arteus (9-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Musical Script (USA) 28-1 (9-1) Switched right from wide draw and held up in rear, headway on inside from 2f out, went 2nd final furlong, no impression on winner, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Sirjosh (9-2) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol.
Desert Dreamer (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride, always behind far side, 16th of 17, 17l behind Rosko (9-3) at Ascot 7f ladys hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.
Nubar Boy 9-2 (9-5) Held up towards rear, ridden and effort over 1f out, never on terms, 6th of 8, 5l behind Khajaaly (9-7) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol.
Army of Stars (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) Prominent, led 5f out, narrowly headed 2f out, chased leader and still every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 5l behind Hellbender (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
On The Cusp (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) Raced wide in rear, headway to mid-division 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 9l behind Ocean Of Peace (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-52 (6) pol.
Mororless 66-1 (8-4) Always in rear, never a factor, 9th of 12, 19l behind Finch Flyer (8-10) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo app hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Sep.
