FERNANDO TORRES gets the narrow vote to land the finale at the expense of Spinning Ridge and Abhainn. The selection is still only lightly raced with nine runs under his belt. He broke his maiden tag at Kempton on the all weather last season and went onto run respectfully in defeat thereafter. He is sure to have been well prepared by his connections for his return outing and the betting market will be the best guide to his chances. Spinning Ridge has been a model of consistency in recent months finishing second more often than not. He was once again only narrowly beaten at Bath on his latest attempt and he may find one too good once again. Abhainn finished off last seasons campaign in great form landing back to back races at Chepstow and Warwick. He is however seven pounds higher in the weights as a result of that form and it remains to be seen if he is good enough to win off it. Fernando Torres looks well treated and if fit for his return outing he ought to go close.
Memphis Man 16-1 (8-3) Started slowly, outpaced in last pair, ridden on outside and no progress 2f out, eased when no chance final furlong, 7th of 9, 9l behind Master Lightfoot (8-10) at Windsor 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Apr.
Hobson 9-2 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, ran on final furlong, never troubled leaders, 5th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Fault (8-13) at Bath 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Apr.
Space Station 11-2 (9-2) Went right start, raced wide intouch, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching 1f out, 10th of 13, 11l behind King's Caprice (9-1) at Folkestone 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Apr.
Spinning Ridge (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Behind, effort halfway, chased leaders over 3f out, soon hung left and weakened, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Fault (8-13) at Bath 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Apr.
Harare 11-1 (8-6) Towards rear, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Justcallmehandsome (8-8) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Apr.
Unlimited 11-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, under pressure over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 11, 7l behind Copperwood (8-10) at Lingfield 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Cadeaux Fax 8-1 (9-0) Switched left soon after start, keen intouch, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 13, 3l behind Army Of Stars (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Apr.
Foreign Investment (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 12, 6l behind Chief Red Cloud (9-1) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Apr.
Dr Wintringham (IRE) 7-2 (8-8) Held up, pushed along on outside and effort over 2f out, one pace in 4th inside final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders, 4th of 9, 5l behind Miss Bootylishes (8-13) at Ffos Las 1m fll hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Apr.
Abhainn (IRE) 11-2 (8-4) Led, ridden and hung right over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to regain lead well inside final furlong, ran on, won at Warwick 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep beating Ghost Dancer (9-6) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Commandingpresence (USA) 50-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 6l behind Castleburg (8-8) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Mar.
Miskin Spirit 80-1 (8-12) Led and keen, headed approaching 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 30l behind Simla Sunset (8-12) at Wolverhampton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Piazza San Pietro 6-1 (9-11) Held up in touch, under pressure halfway, effort when hampered over 1f out, not recover, 10th of 13, 9l behind Kakapuka (8-11) at Bath 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Apr.
Fernando Torres 4-1fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Defector (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
