Verdict

Ninjago is suited by a fast and furious pace as he showed when only failing by a length to concede 8lb to Intrinsic in the Steward's Cup, his final start last year. FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH is handed the vote in a tight handicap, therefore. A Group 3 winner at the Curragh for Aidan O'Brien in June, when Monsieur Joe was a length behind conceding 6lb, he missed the break and never got into contention behind Ahtoug last week but can do much better. His stablemate Whistle Stop, a Grade 3 winner in South Africa, is also expected to improve but 10-times winner Ajjaadd rarely runs beyond the minimum trip these days. Mick Halford has a fine record here so Kernoff, who warmed up with an impressive victory at Dundalk in October, is one to note but Sholaan's best form has been on Dirt. Dark Emerald appears to be getting better with age, though his three latest runs have all been at a mile and he's never raced over a trip this short since his two-year-old days. Merhee is a Group 2 winner in South Africa and didn't act on the Dirt here last month.