Loyal Royal was backed at each-way prices last time and duly ran into the places so Milton Bradley's runner could be value again, however, a more likely winner looks to be FANTASY FIGHTER who found the re-opposing Sarah's Art just too good last time but looks weighted to reverse that result in this sprint handicap. Half-a-length was the margin between the leading principles last time but with the selection up just a pound for that run and with his top apprentice removing three from his back he has a weight swing in his favour that should be telling. In addition Sarah's Art usually follows a win with a poor run, an inconsistency that could cost Stef Liddiard's runner this time. That said the gelding does have a good record here and is likely to make a bold bid. Loyal Royal's run at Kempton off this mark last time puts him in the frame for a place and Welcome Approach has to make the shortlist has he chases a hat-trick. It's a tough race to end with but Fantasy Fighter looks the percentage call.
Sarah's Art (IRE) 17-2 (9-2) Held up in rear, headway between horses over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to lead final 50 yards, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec beating Fantasy Fighter (8-4) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Bonnie Prince Blue 11-2 (9-4) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Imprimis Tagula (9-3) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Light Sleeper Evensfav (9-3) Tracked leaders, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 5l behind Lord Fidelio (9-3) at Kempton 7f mdn auc stks (5) pol in Dec.
Kersivay 4-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, not clear run and switched right over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to take 3rd near finish, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Tourist (9-4) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Espy 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 4l behind Nacho Libre (8-13) at Kempton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Titus Gent 13-2 (9-2) Soon led, driven over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 4l behind Gap Princess (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Perlachy 13-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Anne Of Kiev (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Westwood 33-1 (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, no extra, 7th of 11, 5l behind Perfect Act (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Restless Genius (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 3f out, never near leaders, 6th of 13, 7l behind Harlech Castle (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Loyal Royal (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, unable to quicken, 3rd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Defector (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Fantasy Fighter (IRE) 9-2 (8-4) Slowly into stride, held up, switched right to outside well over 1f out, good headway soon after, stayed on to dispute lead and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken final 50 yards, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Sarah's Art (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Welcome Approach 6-1 (8-11) Held up and behind, headway to inside well over 1f out, hard ridden over 1f out, ran on under pressure to lead final 100 yards, won at Wolverhampton 6f Handicap (0-63) (3yo+) (6) pol in Dec beating Gracie's Gift (8-7) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Sign of The Cross 10-1 (9-7) Held up in touch, weakened 2f out, last of 13, 18l behind Final Drive (9-12) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
