Not an easy race to solve despite the lack of numbers and we stick with AMERICAN LIGHT to see off Ajjaadd and Texas Queen. The gelding had run in a couple of decent maidens as a juvenile when trained in Ireland and was a particularly warm order in a Wolverhampton maiden for new connections. He has a fair draw to work from this afternoon. Ajjaadd has been something of a bookmakers benefit of late. He is capable of winning a small race though his finishing is not the strongest. Texas Queen gets plenty of weight as a three-year-old taking on older horses. She had a couple of pieces of form on the turf that read well but we are surprised that connections are sticking with just five furlongs. Slap and Tickle is related to a number of sprinters including Kebabs and Art Advisor. She made 150 000 guineas at the sales as a juvenile before going through the ring at Newmarket last year for a modest six thousand. Fair Passion is bred to be a sprinter though could be the type to watch out for in handicaps. American Light carried enough confidence last time to suggest that connections can recoup losses today.
Ajjaadd (USA) 7-4fav (9-3) Led, headed over 1f out, one pace, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Zegna (9-3) at Kempton 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
American Light 5-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, driven and stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Brynfa Boy (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
Slap And Tickle (IRE) Exceed And Excel filly out of Common Rumpus.
Fair Passion 33-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, driven and stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Tartufo Dolce (8-12) at Wolverhampton 5f 2yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Nov.
Texas Queen 3-1 (8-12) Disputed lead with winner until ridden approaching final furlong, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Clifton Bridge (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
