DOME ROCKET should prove a little too good for his opponents with Rumble of Thunder rated as next best and Leulahleulahlay also considered. The pick has found just one too good in each of his three starts so far and while that could b a worry he was not disgraced when a beaten favourite last time behind an animal who has since won off a mark of 82. He was well clear in silver medal position that day and the step up in trip here should suit. Rumble of Tunder placed off his handicap mark of 76 last time out so we know his rating is a true one. The form from that race is a little weak but on these terms he should go close with the extra yardage perhaps to his benefit. Leulahleulahlay put in a solid debut in a warm race last time and is entitled to go better for an extra few furlongs and for a yard in form. Tripitaka is an interesting newcomer who looks bred for this kind of trip and has some prolific winners in the family but a winning debut will be a tough mission against the pick Dome Rocket.
Curacao 13-2 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 13, 5l behind Axel Foley (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Oct.
Darley Sun (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, last of 7, 6l behind Heliodor (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 2f 2yo stk (2) gs in Nov.
Dome Rocket 9-4fav (9-3) Prominent, ridden to challenge leader 2f out, hung left under pressure final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Gitano Hernando (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Leulahleulahlay 11-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, outpaced, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 8, 5l behind Red Spider (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Sep.
Rumble Of Thunder (IRE) 9-4 (9-0) Tracked leader, hung right from over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, soon headed and one pace, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Goodison Glory (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Tripitaka Sulamani gelding out of Memo.
Ma Patrice 66-1 (8-11) Always in rear, 8th of 11, 11l behind Cut And Thrust (9-7) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
No Sting 40-1 (8-9) Prominent, not much room when stumbled and lost place over 4f out, behind after, 10th of 11, 25l behind La Adelita (9-0) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) sft in Sep.
Any Given Moment (IRE) Alhaarth gelding out of Shastri.
