Verdict
AS I AM is clear at the weights and is the one to beat. She scored in this grade at Newbury before running Carole's Spirit close in Listed company at Haydock and can return to winning ways. Down Ace and Blue Buttons are progressing well but will both need more to match the selection, while Roja Dove can also figure on the best of her earlier form in Ireland. Dolores Delightful is the least exposed with only a couple of outings in France to her name but Richard Johnson's presence takes the eye and she could go well.
Formwatch
As I Am (IRE) 11-4 (11-5) Led until after 4 out, led again next, headed after last, kept on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Carole's Spirit (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f mares listed nov hdl (1) sft.
Roja Dove (IRE) 17-2 (11-7) Led until after 3 out, soon rallied, weakened before last, 5th of 13, 23l behind My Miss Lucy (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs.
Blue Buttons (IRE) 13-2 (10-10) Made most, clear before last, kept on strongly, readily, won at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) sft beating Centasia (11-2) by 4l, 14 ran.
Down Ace (IRE) 1-3fav (11-3) Made all, not fluent 3 out, came clear between last 2, comfortably, won at Lingfield 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Truckers Darling (10-10) by 2l, 6 ran.
Miner Distraction 33-1 (10-10) Took keen hold, held up, blundered 2nd, mistake 5th, tailed off and blundered 3 out, 13th of 14, well behind Blue Buttons (10-10) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) sft.
Neston Grace 20-1 (11-3) Mid-division, pushed along and jumped slowly 3rd, soon lost place, plugged on past beaten horses flat, 9th of 15, 22l behind Lord Protector (11-2) at Sandown 2m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs.
Dolores Delightful (FR) (10-3) 4th of 12, 6l behind Loin D'etre Sage (10-10) at Dieppe(FR) 2m 1f 3yo hdl gs in Jun.