Verdict

An ordinary finale can go to Sky Crusader, who edges preference from The Coires and Innocent Splendour. A case can also be made for Art Modern, who could do no more than win on his debut and is entitled to respect. However, that form has taken a few knocks since then and more is required today. Even so the on course bookmakers are unlikely to take any chances with him and he could be worth opposing at the likely odds. Innocent Splendour was slightly below par on his reappearance but should have benefited from the run. He handled this course well on his only other previous visit and is no forlorn hope to bounce back to form. The Coires showed fair progression last term and is not without a chance. He might appreciate a little more give underfoot though, and has something to prove on the ground. Therefore, a tentative vote goes to Sky Crusader. The Roger Ingram-trained colt has put in his best efforts when the going has been on the fast side and will appreciate the surface. His Ascot form with Wise Dennis and Rebel Rebel looks solid in the context of this race and a similar effort will make Sky Crusader very hard to get past today.

Formwatch

The Coires (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Never going well in rear, struggling 3f out, 11th of 12, 12l behind Wise Dennis (8-6) at Ascot 7f 2yo hcp (B1) gf in Sept.

Sky Crusader 12-1 (9-1) Mid-division, effort on outside 2f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 16, 5l behind Kerashan (8-13) at Kempton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (4) gd.

Goodwood Spirit 14-1 (8-13) Raced keenly in touch, chased winners 2f out, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Profit's Reality (9-2) at Chepstow 1m 3yo hcp (4) gs.

Art Modern (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Led for 2f, pressed leader after, ridden to lead again over 2f out, driven out final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (D3) pol in Feb beating Garibaldi (8-11) by 2l, 11 ran.

Innocent Splendour 7-2fav (9-1) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 10, 14l behind Thakafaat (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 2f 3yo fll hcp (4) gd in Apr.

Humble Opinion 7-2fav (8-12) In touch, ridden 3f out, one pace from 2f out, 7th of 17, 12l behind Glen Ida (9-4) at Kempton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Mar.

Clinet (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Held up in rear, headway on inside 2f out, led well over 1f out, edged right final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo fll hcp (5) pol beating Tharua (8-5) by 5l, 11 ran.