Musselburgh – Last year’s winner
will not lack for fitness after being campaigned on the all-weather. He is 4lb lower than 12 months ago and has a capable apprentice taking 5lb off, so has obvious claims but the easier ground may catch him out and may prove stronger. She disappointed when last seen but had earlier scored over a mile here in similar conditions off a 6lb lower mark. is well treated judged on his all-weather rating and is a possible along with
who has moved stables and had a wind operation. Haydock – It may pay to side with
after his 20-length Sandown success from
The latter has an 11lb pull but has had his problems and may pose more of a threat. He opened his fencing account at Fakenham and only failed by a nose to follow up at Leicester. He remains well treated off a 2lb higher mark. has not really built on his Wincanton win and perhaps needs better ground while
is on a favourable mark but ran a shocker last time after a cosy Fakenham success. Musselburgh – This looks good for who is favoured by the weights and will handle the conditions. He has won fresh before, so the lack of a recent run should not be a problem and he also has a 100% record at this venue – having won both starts over today’s trip. Should he falter then
can take advantage. He won on his reappearance last season and then posted some decent efforts in better company.
is a prolific winning sprinter but faces a tough task conceding weight on his debut for the in-form Mick Appleby. Haydock – A chance is taken with top-weight who is best when able to dominate. He might just get the run of the race which he did on his last visit here in December when proving six lengths too good for with
well beaten in fifth. That pair are better off at the weights but not enough to necessarily take their revenge, although Joke Dancer has clearly improved since then and comes here in search of a hat-trick. Musselburgh – The conditions will not be a problem for
who finished last season at the top of his game and should make his presence felt if overcoming his high draw. He may pose the main threat to
who improved with each run last term and may have got in here on a favourable mark for his handicap debut.
will need to improve again after an 8lb rise for his easy Wolverhampton success. He is also upped in trip which, on breeding, may not prove ideal. Haydock – The fitting of cheekpieces clearly helped who put in a more assured round of jumping when scoring at Uttoxeter and he remains well treated, despite a 7lb rise.
took advantage of a lenient mark to open his account for the season at Kempton. His jumping, which can sometimes be ponderous, was fast and clean and hopefully he is in the same sort of form. Taunton winner was not beaten far in a similar event at Sandown and that was after a mistake two out, so he remains of interest along with
who would have won last time but for falling at the final fence. Musselburgh – Harry Fry has been very clever in the placing of his winning hurdler
who can complete the four-timer. The selection has racked up a hat-trick of victories on the all-weather, has a progressive staying profile and should be capable of defying a 3lb hike. The booking of Paul Hanagan is also a plus. fifth in last year’s Queen’s Vase, goes well fresh, stays this trip and will act in the ground. He is one for the short list along with last year’s winner,
who is 1lb lower than 12 months ago.