Verdict

VANQUISHER is given the vote to eventually get his head in front in the finale with both Buscador and Monaadi worth noting. The selection has not won since winning a maiden at Newmarket eighteen months ago. It is fair to say that thereafter he was unfairly treated by the handicapper and it is only recently that he has been knocking on the door in similar races. He runs off the same mark as he has done when finishing second on each of his last three starts and if he can recapture that form he will be difficult to beat. Buscador carries top weight even though he has been dropped a couple of pounds since his recent disappointing run. He is more than capable of being competitive of his current mark so any market moves should be noted. Monaadi is unexposed and could still be improving with experience. He steps up in trip once again here and with his trainer in such good form he is another for the short list. However for the winner we return to Vanquisher.

Formwatch

Buscador (USA) 25-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 1l behind Formidable Guest (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.

Japura (USA) 33-1 (9-4) Soon led, ridden, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 9, 6l behind Brouhaha (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan.

Bolton Hall (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 11l behind Duty Doctor (9-1) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Oct.

Monaadi (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) In rear, ridden 6f out, kept on one pace final 2f, 4th of 7, 12l behind Ibrox (9-3) at Southwell 1m 4f mdn stk (5) fbs in Jan.

Nothing Is Forever (IRE) 11-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 9, 7l behind Zuwaar (9-2) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.

Vanquisher (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (9-1) Held up towards rear, pushed along and headway approaching 2f out, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Sir Liam (9-5) at Lingfield 2m sll hcp (6) pol in Jan.

Corrib (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, always in rear, eased inside final furlong, 11th of 12, 14l behind Prairie Hawk (8-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Corking (IRE) 17-2 (8-13) Prominent, ridden over 7f out, weakened well over 2f out, 7th of 11, 15l behind Sabancaya (8-13) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.

Inner Voice (USA) 11-2 (9-6) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 4th 3f out, no extra from 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 11l behind Green Mile (9-9) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hcp 0-60 gs in Aug.

Niqaab 7-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, headway approaching final furlong, soon hampered, no extra, 10th of 14, 10l behind Amwell Brave (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 5f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Jan.

Valentine Blue 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, every chance 3f out, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Castaneous (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Jan.