Verdict

Barenboim makes a quick reappearance under a penalty having won over a shorter trip at Kempton but QAASID (NAP) is preferred. Julie Camacho’s charge has improved for the application of a visor and was beaten less than a length in a higher grade at Lingfield last time. Bugle Major is regularly in the mix without winning and but the remaining pair are harder to fancy.

Formwatch

Barenboim 15-8jfav (9-10) Held up in rear, headway when not much room 2f out, soon switched right, led entering final furlong, ran on well, comfortably, won at Kempton 1m 3f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Junkanoo (9-5) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.

Qaasid (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Chased leaders on outside, ridden and pressed leader 2f out, every chance 1f out, no extra last 75 yards, 3rd of 13, 1/2l behind Merlin's Beard (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (3) pol in Aug.

Bugle Major (USA) 13-2 (9-10) Slowly into stride, towards rear, effort over 2f out, 3rd over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Sweet Fantasy (9-12) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

The Dancing Poet 14-1 (9-6) Raced keenly, went 2nd 12f out until 11f out, raced in 3rd, ridden and well held over 1f out, lost that placing post, 4th of 7, 5 1/2l behind Lady Percival (9-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (4) pol in Nov.

Flash Bulb (IRE) 28-1 (9-2) Disputed 3rd until ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 5, 11 3/4l behind Light Of Peace (9-2) at Southwell 7f mdn fll stks (5) pol in Nov.