held up in rear, never on terms
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, led towards finish
awkward leaving stalls, held up towards rear, some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
held up, raced keenly, ridden and hung left over 1f out, never dangerous
held up in touch, ridden and edged left over 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish
slowly into stride, always behind
tracked leader, led well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
in touch, lost place over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, one pace
led until well over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong
DESERT FAIRY is no more than a nominal selection ahead of last time out winners Turkish Sultan and Lyrical Intent in an open finale. Kirkie wasn't beaten too far when a big price in a better race than this last time so market support for Tim Pitt's runner or the likes of the unexposed Meml would be of interest but there are more solid propositions in this line-up. Turkish Sultan opened his all-weather account with a narrow success at Lingfield and should be in the firing line again but he rather enjoyed the run of that race and is opposable under a penalty. Lyrical Intent was more impressive when winning at Kempton and makes more appeal from a mark that is just 3lbs higher and she could well follow up but a chance is taken with Desert Fairy. It's a concern that she's yet to get her head in front but she posted one of her better efforts when last seen in action in December. She was only just in front of Kirkie that day so there may not be a great deal to choose between the pair but James Unett's filly didn't enjoy a great deal of luck in running on that occasion so Desert Fairy may be able to confirm that form granted a clear passage.
Turkish Sultan (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon hard driven to challenge, led inside final furlong, all out, won at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (0-55) (6) pol beating Turner's Touch (7-13) by nk, 13 ran.
Lyrical Intent 5-2fav (8-8) In touch, headway on outside to chase leaders 3f out, led and hung right over 1f out, driven and stayed on well, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-52 (6) pol beating Mid Wicket (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Kirkie (USA) 66-1 (8-12) Held up, no impression from over 1f out, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Shake On It (8-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Dec.
Desert Fairy 22-1 (8-10) Held up mid-division, never dangerous, 4th of 11, 4l behind Shake On It (8-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Dec.
Solo Choice 40-1 (8-10) Mid-division, weakened 4f out, 11th of 13, 35l behind Shadows Lengthen (8-10) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Nov.
Kirstys Lad 4-1fav (8-6) 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind King's Jester (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Viscaya (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Very slowly away, always towards rear, 9th of 10, 32l behind Fine Tolerance (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Roundthetwist (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, in rear, some headway under pressure 2f out, never near leaders, 5th of 9, 12l behind Gasat (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f sell stks (6) pol in Mar.
Sairaam (IRE) 13-2 (8-7) In rear, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 7l behind Positivity (8-13) at Southwell 1m hcp (0-55) (6) fbs.
Meml 6-1 (8-11) Raced wide, in touch, chased leader over 3f out, ridden and weakened entering final 2f, 8th of 10, 21l behind Order Order (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Nov.
Always The Sun 10-1 (8-11) 10th of 13, 6l behind King's Jester (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Red Current 16-1 (8-10) 12th of 13, 15l behind King's Jester (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Plenilune (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Dwelt, soon chasing leaders, pushed along 3f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 27l behind Bestowed (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
