in touch on outer, ridden to lead 2f out, cleared 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong, headed close home
slowly into stride, soon tracked leader, led after 2f, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out
prominent, ridden and slightly outpaced over 2f out, chased leader 1f out, kept on to lead close home
steadied start, held up in rear, ridden 3f out, outpaced final 2f
held up towards rear, progress 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, not reached leaders
led to 2f, tracked leader, ridden 3f out, outpaced from 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
A tough race granted improving types and we side with Fares ahead of Boscobel and Nordic Affair. The selection could give a form boost to the chances of Hurricane Spirit later in the afternoon and having shown tremendous improvement to give that rival a run for his money last time out, it seems to churlish to ignore his claims against weaker opposition. Boscobel shaped well on debut and looks to have a future. The question is as to whether the handicapper has him right after just one viewing. Nordic Affair has ran well here previously and the evidence suggests that a return to seven furlongs should prove beneficial. Homes By Woodford has progressed from selling company into handicap performer but this is a big ask. Copper King has ability although this is compromised by a tendancy to pull hard. Leonard Charles has raced twice at Wolverhampton and has proved easy to back on both occasions. Minnaah returns from absence. A good race for this time of the year and Fares is the recommendation.
Fares (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Led and set good pace, ridden and headed just over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, always held, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Hurricane Spirit (9-3) at Kempton 7f 2yo stk (3) pol in Dec.
Nordic Affair 8-1 (9-5) Led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Sweeney (9-5) at Lingfield 1m nov stk (5) pol in Dec.
Boscobel 9-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and green over 2f out, ran on to lead 1f out, ridden clear, won at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov beating Silmi (9-3) by 3l, 11 ran.
Minaash (USA) 7-2co-fav (9-7) Went left start, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 12l behind Davaye (8-7) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Copper King 16-1 (9-3) Pulled hard, held up in rear, headway 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 8, 5l behind Sharpazmax (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Leonard Charles 7-2 (9-7) Soon chasing leaders, ridden to chase winner and hung left over 2f out, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1/2l behind Tobago Reef (8-9) at W'hampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Homes By Woodford 9-4fav (9-3) Behind, headway over 2f out, ran on well to lead close home, won at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol beating Ranavalona (7-13) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
