Verdict

A trio of recent winners to consider but there are concerns about all three. Blazing Desert's win came in an amateurs' race here over a longer trip and Waving beat lower rated opposition in a maiden at Lingfield. Pahente left his previous form behind to score by seven lengths at Kempton last time but has been raised 10lb for his trouble and the top weight BRUNSTON makes more appeal. He scored over track and trip off an 8lb higher mark at this time last year and recent improvement suggests a return to form is imminent. Arashi only has outside claims on his first start since August.

Formwatch

Pahente 6-1 (9-9) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, ran on well, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-68 (6) pol in Jan beating Highly Likely (9-2) by 7l, 12 ran.

Waving 9-2 (9-3) Held up behind in touch, switched outside and headway over 2f out, effort over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn auc stks (4-6yo) (6) pol in Jan beating Story Writer (9-3) by 2 3/4l, 8 ran.

Blazing Desert 11-2 (10-10) Keen close up, went 2nd over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 6f am hcp (0-70) (5) pol in Jan beating Stormy Morning (10-5) by 2l, 8 ran.

Brunston 8-1 (9-8) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong, never on terms, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Cool Sky (9-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.

Toughness Danon 5-1 (9-3) Towards rear, headway 2f out, ridden and soon one pace, 5th of 12, 5l behind De Rigueur (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.

Arashi 5-1 (10-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, no impression final furlong, 6th of 10, 14l behind No Heretic (11-7) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f am hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.