Slowly into stride and awkwardly away, well off the pace in last pair, shaken up and kept on in well held 3rd inside final furlong, closed on eased down 2nd op 7/2 tchd 11/4
Mubakker (8/15), Imhotep (3/1), Don't Jump George (5/1), Hellovasinger (22/1), Excelinthejungle (33/1), More Salutes (66/1)
All six rivals that finished behind MUBAKKER at Wolverhampton on his second run last winter were subsequent winner, with the runner-up now rated in the 90s. Sir Michael Stoute's runner has an absence to defy but will be primed and ready and looks to have a good opportunity here. Don't Jump George is next best on form though newcomer Imhotep could be the chief threat.