Verdict

With all of the opposition stepping up in class, THATABOY is expected to follow up having won in this grade over track and trip last time. He'd scored at Lingfield before that and the hat-trick beckons. Spreadable landed a double in Class 6 races over longer trips here before last week's defeat at Lingfield, while Under Approval will need further improvement having won a maiden at Southwell in December. Global Explorer finished third ahead Alfie Lunette at Lingfield yesterday and may prove best of the rest if taking part.

Formwatch

Thataboy (IRE) 5-4fav (8-6) Dwelt, chased leaders, effort over 1f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, soon hung left under pressure, ran on to lead last strides, won at Wolverhampton 5f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Expect (9-3) by nk, 7 ran.

Spreadable (IRE) 10-11fav (9-6) Held up in mid-division, travelling well but racing awkwardly when not clear run over 1f out, kept on when in the clear inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 13, 3l behind Basil Berry (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.

Under Approval 16-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on under pressure to lead post, won at Southwell 5f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Dec beating Diamondsinthesky (8-1) by hd, 6 ran.

Alfie Lunete (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Held up, headway over 1f out, ran on under pressure inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 8, 1l behind Tautira (8-11) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.

Global Explorer (USA) 11-4fav (9-4) Held up off the pace towards rear, headway and edging left when switched right over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, went 3rd towards finish, never nearer, 3rd of 10, 1 1/4l behind The Dandy Yank (9-7) at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.

Mighty Force (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened last half furlong, 7th of 8, 2l behind Tautira (8-11) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.