Verdict

LUCANIN's fourth behind Trade Commissioner at Sandown in May looks better in hindsight as the latter has won twice since. Sir Michael Stoute's colt appeared to handle the soft ground at Newbury on his debut and looks the one to beat in this. Semeen finished well behind the selection at Sandown and did no better at Windsor last time while Mossbrae faded badly on his reappearance but much better is expected today as he finished third on last year's debut at Yarmouth. Classy hurdler Dee Ee Williams has shown nothing in two recent runs on the Flat and the remainder have shown little though Kodiac Island may improve on this surface after a couple of starts on the Polytrack.

Formwatch

Dee Ee Williams (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Towards rear, ridden 4f out, never on terms, 6th of 11, 38l behind Muntasir (8-13) at Kempton 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol.

Gavi 50-1 (9-11) Held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 21l behind Hippy Hippy Shake (8-9) at Salisbury 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gf.

Regal Diva 100-1 (9-8) Soon towards rear, plugged on final 2f, never on terms, 6th of 12, 11l behind Mysterious Man (8-13) at Bath 1m 4f mdn stks (5) gs in Jun.

Gadreel (IRE) 40-1 (8-2) Steadied start, held up towards rear, headway on inside halfway, pushed along and weakened 3f out, 9th of 11, 24l behind Lady Percy (8-11) at Salisbury 1m 3yo app hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.

Lucanin 11-8fav (8-12) Raced keenly, led, joined 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, lost 2 places final 100 yards, 4th of 12, 2 1/4l behind Trade Commissioner (9-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gd in May.

Mossbrae 8-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, last of 10, 43l behind Valiant (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gs in May.

Native Eight (USA) 50-1 (9-1) Chased leaders until ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 12, 19l behind Guarantee (9-1) at Newbury 1m 4f mdn stks (5) gs.

Semeen 11-1 (9-3) Dwelt, mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 13, 13l behind Border Legend (9-3) at Windsor 1m 3yo mdn (5) sft in Jun.

Southerly 100-1 (8-7) Always behind, last of 16, 43l behind Nabucco (9-0) at Windsor 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gs in Jun.

Kodiac Island 12-1 (8-12) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Mugazala (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Jun.