prominent, led after 5f, pushed clear entering final furlong, comfortably
led 5f, remained prominent, lost place over 4f out
held up in rear, chased leaders over 2f out, not pace to challenge
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 3f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, hard ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out
Leulahleulahlay comes out narrowly on top at the figures but WICKED DAZE represents a far more solid betting proposition and can strike once more, with Acropolis perhaps best of the rest. Kevin Ryan has is string in fine fettle and this one advertised that statement when scoring over half a mile shorter last time. He's won at this trip before though and in good contests, so as the one runner arriving on the back of a victory in similar company and with Jamie Spencer in the saddle, he rates a strong fancy. Leulahleulahlay just comes out best on adjusted ratings but he's proved expensive to follow and is perhaps not worthy off his official handicap mark. Evan Williams' gelding is yet to score from nine attempts, including over hurdles, and whilst there may be yet to come from this unexposed sort he faces a really solid sort for the grade in our selection and may have to settle for second. Acropolis has a bit to find with Alrafid on paper but this one-time Arc fourth might just be able to secure a relatively soft lead, so he gets the vote to fill third spot with Gary Moore's charge having a small break to overcome and also yet to show much on artificial surfaces. Randomer has room for improvement but certainly needs it based on his no show in selling company last time, whilst Primera Rossa's sole success came over shorter in a terrible race and this one was beaten out of sight last time. Maverick's Magic was behind Acropolis when last they met and races off much worse terms today so is overlooked, with our attentions shifting back to Wicked Daze who looks a rock solid favourite.
Wicked Daze (IRE) 11-8fav (9-7) Made all, kicked clear over 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Kempton 1m 4f clm stks (6) pol beating Satwa Gold (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Randomer 25-1 (9-0) Always behind, tailed off over 2f out, 5th of 6, 19l behind Classic Blue (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f sell stks (6) pol.
Acropolis (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Towards rear over 2f out, headway to 5th near finish, 5th of 14, 4l behind Purely By Chance (8-13) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Alrafid (IRE) 9-1 (8-11) Keen in touch, ridden to chase leader 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Media Stars (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 5f clm stks (6) pol in Feb.
Leulahleulahlay 14-1 (9-5) Soon led, ridden over 7f out, headed over 6f out, weakened over 3f out, 5th of 9, 12l behind Dani's Girl (9-7) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Primera Rossa 33-1 (8-6) Held up towards rear, under pressure over seven out, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 7, well behind Russian Music (9-13) at Southwell 2m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Maverick's Magic 100-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, no impression, 7th of 14, 15l behind Shannersburg (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f sell stks in Dec.
