held up, headway over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, went second 4f out, led 2f out, pushed clear final furlong
led, well clear 7f out, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leader, until 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up, always behind
It is AHLAWY who gets the nod here ahead of course and distance winner Scamperdale and Empowered. The selection was a course and distance winner last time and looked comfortable on the drop in class, showing himself to be a bit better than the grade of opposition. His form figures over this course and distance make for impressive reading and he looks more than capable of taking his fourth course and distance win of the year. William Haggas' Empowered, a half-brother to Derby winner Authorised, was triumphant at Kempton at the last time of asking back in October of last year. The little form that the colt has shows that he runs well fresh and he looks more than capable of making the money here. Scamperdale was a little disappointing last time in a race that was run to suit; he is worth another chance though and has recorded seven of his eight career wins at this track so should be there or thereabouts. Of the others Count Trevisio looks best; the gelding had not been showing a lot for his new connections after leaving Godolphin, but he is at least coming down the weights as a result. He shows definite signs of a revival here and is one to watch out for but for the winner we can look no further than Ahlawy.
Empowered (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Steadied start, held up behind mid-division, good headway to lead over 1f out, quickened and soon clear, pushed out comfortably, won at Kempton 1m 2f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol in Oct beating Crusoe's Return (9-3) by 3l, 10 ran.
Ahlawy (IRE) 9-4fav (9-1) In touch, led over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f clm stks (6) pol in Mar beating Rapid City (8-12) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Count Trevisio (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Led, headed over 1f out, weakening when carried right inside final furlong, 6th of 7, 14l behind Distinctive Image (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Mar.
Scamperdale 5-2 (9-1) Held up, ridden 3f out, short lived effort on inside over 1f out, 5th of 7, 9l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
New Star (UAE) 7-1 (8-4) Close up, outpaced over 4f out, switched right over 3f out, wide into straight 2f out, ran on final furlong, just failed, 2nd of 10, ns behind Fremen (9-1) at Lingfield 1m app hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) pol in Mar.
Piper's Song (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Dwelt, always in rear, 12th of 13, 13l behind Stand Guard (9-8) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
