behind, headway to lead over 6f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed well inside final furlong
lonely into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon one pace
winner, soon led, steady pace headed over 6f out, remained prominent, led inside final furlong, ran on
held up, headway on outside over 1f out, ran on strongly, nearest finish
held up mid-division, took closer order over 4f out, soon with leader, weakened over 1f out
in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on well
soon prominent, lost place over 5f out, rallied and headway over 1f out, kept on well
held up in rear, headway final furlong, never nearer
tracked leaders, lost place well over 2f out
Alfie Flits is an interesting contender on his return but lack of previous form on the surface is of concern so Alan Swinbank's gelding may be best watched and a safer option looks to be Gentleman's Deal, who gets the vote ahead of Blue Bajan. The last mentioned has a progressive profile and, with improvement anticipated for his reappearance last month, is taken to reverse running with Cusoon on course and distance form. Illustrious Blue, a winner on the turf course at Nad Al Sheba last month, has yet to prove that he is as effective on the sand. Cimyla disappointed in Dubai but is capable of taking a hand in the finish here if able to reproduce the pick of his form, while Hattan has been hard to win with since landing the 2005 Chester Vase and may be booked for a place at best. Gentleman's Deal has shown improved form of late and, having won cosily last time, is taken to complete a four timer today over a trip that should suit.
Alfie Flits 8-1 (9-8) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Windsor 1m 4f lst stk (1) gs in Nov beating Orcadian (9-3) by 5l, 8 ran.
Blue Bajan (IRE) 11-4fav (9-0) Towards rear, plenty to do well over 1f out, good headway, edged left inside final furlong, ran on well towards finish, just failed, 2nd of 8, shd behind Cusoon (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f lst stk (1) pol in Feb.
Boo 16-1 (8-8) Mid-division, weakening when bumped over 3f out, 9th of 12, 11l behind Watamu (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Cimyla (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Settled in rear, never able to challenge, 7th of 10, 7l behind Wild Savannah (9-4) at Nad Al Sheba 1m 2f hcp gd in Feb.
Cusoon 11-2 (9-0) Towards rear, good headway over 2f out to chase leader, led well over 1f out and soon clear, hard pressed near finish, just held on, won at Lingfield 1m 2f lst stk (1) pol in Feb beating Blue Bajan (9-0) by a shd, 8 ran.
Gentleman's Deal (IRE) Evensfav (9-0) Tracked leaders, going well 2f out, shaken up to lead just over 1f out, quickened clear, readily, won at Kempton 1m lst stk (1) pol in Feb beating Grand Passion (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Grand Passion (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Prominent on outer, struck into 3f out, weakened over 2f, last of 8, 15l behind Cusoon (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f lst stk (1) pol in Feb.
Hattan (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Mid-division, ridden to challenge 2f out, ran on one pace, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Book Of Music (9-1) at Nad Al Sheba 1m 4f hcp gd in Feb.
Illustrious Blue 15-2 (8-8) Mid-division, effort from 2f out, led final furlong, won at Nad Al Sheba 1m 1f hcp gd in Feb beating Great Rhythm (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Mighty 3-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden and outpaced 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, not trouble first two, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Cusoon (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f lst stk (1) pol in Feb.
Orchard Supreme 9-1 (9-8) Held up, headway on inside entering straight, ridden to lead 1f out, hung right well inside final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol beating Bomber Command (9-3) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Speedy Sam 11-2 (9-5) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, staying on same pace when not much room briefly towards finish, 5th of 13, 3l behind Orchard Supreme (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
