held up in 4th, headway 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, ran on, not trouble winner
led early, raced keenly in 3rd, closed to chase winner 3f out, no impression from over 1f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, kept on
made virtually all, quickened clear from final bend, in no danger after, ran on well
chased winner until 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
raced in last, outpaced over 2f out, went never dangerous 4th inside final furlong
INTUITIVE is 8lb higher than when winning this last year but has landed a conditions race back here subsequently. Another bold bid is expected given the Crisfords’ yard has begun the year in blistering form. Ayr Harbour went close over 7f at Wolverhampton on his first start gelded and will be sharper for that outing. He’s preferred to Imperial Sands, who was also gelded last year and has placed over track and trip in both subsequent starts. Amber Island has done all his winning over 7f so far while Lequinto has plenty to prove at this level.
Intuitive (IRE) (8-12) 10th of 11, 9 1/2l behind Amilcar (8-12) at Deauville 7f lst stks pol in Dec.
Ayr Harbour 12-1 (9-1) Prominent, ridden to join leader 2f out, narrowly headed 1f out, ran on but always held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Misty Grey (9-7) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Imperial Sands (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Mobashr (8-12) at Lingfield 1m hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Amber Island (IRE) 11-8fav (9-0) Rider removed hood late, dwelt close up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Arriviste (9-0) at Lingfield 7f fll stks (3) pol in Dec.
Lequinto (IRE) 6-1 (9-11) Tracked leader, pressed leader over 1f out, quickened to lead entering final furlong, soon edged left and ran on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Starry Eyes (9-2) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
