Calculating has been hammering on the door since the turn of the year but his failure to win is getting concerning so we oppose the likely favourite with DART, who has also been in good form while Eseej looks best of the remaining trio of challengers. A Course specialist the pick has been on top form recently having racked up back-to-back victories before finding just the one too good on her hat-trick bid last time. She's slightly better off at the weights coming into this and a similar run might just be enough. Calculating also likes this venue and has finished second in his last four runs including by a head off this mark last time. He's clearly in good heart and should put in a bold bid. Eseej returns to the venue of his last success and his recent runs offer hope without really suggesting this step up in trip is needed. Dream In Blue has been running well in defeat and should show plenty off bottom weight while Aureate is given a squeak on his best form. It's a decent contest despite the poor turnout and DART looks the percentage call.
Aureate 6-1 (8-13) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, strongly challenged over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Kames Park (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Eseej (USA) 2-1fav (9-5) Led, headed over 1f out, weakening when not much room approaching final furlong, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Oxford City (9-1) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Calculating (IRE) 7-2 (8-10) Held up in touch, improved to join leader over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, led narrowly 1f out, headed post, 2nd of 5, hd behind Victory Quest (8-12) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Dart 9-4fav (10-2) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 3f out, challenged 2f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner inside final furlong no impression, 2nd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Russian Music (9-4) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.
Dream In Blue 10-3 (9-0) Tracked leaders and keen, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Boundless Prospect (8-8) at Southwell 1m 6f clm stks (6) fbs.
