Tactics look sure to play a big part in this small-field renewal, in which all of them are best known for coming from off the pace. There are positives for them all but particularly perhaps for City Of Delight (second choice), MAGICO and Stressfree who finished first, second and fourth when they clashed over this trip at Doncaster last month. There was trouble in running that day (Rathgar was hot on their heels too) and this race will probably have its hard-luck stories as well, but it would be a surprise if those three don't prove capable of winning off today's marks before long and Magico's strong challenge may this time prove a winning one. Warda Jamila could still have potential starting her 4yo season.[Richard Austen]
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Ran respectably sole start here; 0-15 for this yard (multiple winner on the continent) but he ran well in defeat off higher marks at 1m/1m2f in Britain last summer and was the only one to threaten the odds-on Godolphin favourite when second of 16 in 1m1f handicap at Meydan in February; a messy Lincoln at Doncaster did not work out for him last month but he needs a second look.
Won twice at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) late last year and never better than when winning at Pontefract (1m2f, good) eight days ago, seeing as he did it by 7l after leading in the final 1f; below form sole start here (last May) and carries a 5lb penalty but he has to be in calculations.
Unraced here, won sole start at Chester; extremely solid sequence at about 1m2f last July-October and, having won a maiden hurdle in February, he was as good as ever when close fourth of 16 off this mark to City Of Delight and Magico at Doncaster (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) last month; comes from off the pace and that latest start was far from the first time he's met trouble in running; well capable of a bold show if he gets the breaks.
Third in a maiden here early in career; gelded in November and improved form when beaten a neck over 1m2f at Chelmsford (AW) and Doncaster (good) in his two starts this season; wore first-time cheekpieces in the latter, unleashing a fine burst to hit the front in the final 1f before he was himself cut down by City Of Delight; bit more to prove on good to firm; up 2lb but can defy that if things fall right for him.
Had 1m2f wins last May and September, latterly having to bide her time when she scored in last-gasp fashion at Haydock (good to soft; acts on good to firm); needs to improve but that's possible in this second season handicapping and the form of her stable is no disincentive.
Versatile regarding ground and trip; had a solid season overall (1m6f and 1m2f winner) last year and reappeared with a creditable fifth of 16 at Doncaster last month when three of today's rivals had his measure but not by much; can make the running if necessary and he too is in the mix if he adapts to this track.
Won last summer on his first four starts once stepped up to 1m2f, on a range of ground, and he reappeared with another significantly improved effort when mowing down three of today's rivals to grab a 16-runner race at Doncaster (1m2f, good); can be ridden more prominently than he was that day and, although up another 4lb, it's hard to rule out further progress.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
