Verdict

The Prince may be getting on a bit and has very little scope for improvement at his age, but he should still be good enough to account for this lot and is fancied to brush aside the challenges from the likes of Ben Hur and Hills Of Gold if he runs his usual race. Cryfield and Jordans Spark are others that can get involved for the scrap for the minor honours. Jordans Spark is a versatile performer that has a game and willing attitude. However, he may just find this trip is on the sharp side for him and he may be vulnerable to anything with a finishing kick. Cryfield is an infrequent winner that has cost his supporters dearly over the years. Still, he has to be considered a threat in this company and is a leading candidate to pick up any scraps if the selection under performs. Hills Of Gold hails from one of the shrewdest outfits in the north and is back on an attractive mark. Mick Easterby does exceptionally well with this type of runner and his charge should be high on the shortlist of alternatives. As should Ben Hur, who thrives on being kept busy and is expected to be in the thick of the action. However, like a few of the rest, he faces a stiff test at the weights and needs to pull something out of the fire. Therefore, The Prince, who has 17lb in hand on the official ratings, looks the logical choice, assuming that age has not yet caught up with.

Formwatch

Ben Hur 66-1 (8-11) With leaders, led halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 16, 812) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp (5) gd in Sept.

The Prince 15-8fav (9-3) Towards rear, driven along 3f out, never a factor, last of 7, 23l behind Gavroche (9-7) at York 1m 2f clm (4) gf in Jul.

Cryfield 7-1 (8-11) Mid-division, effort when not much room 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 18, 6l behind Saif Sareea (8-12) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp (5) gd in Sept.

Hills of Gold 40-1 (8-9) Towards rear, never on terms, 11th of 17, 6l behind Pure Imagination (8-9) at Nottingham 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.

Jordans Spark 12-1 (8-10) Mid-division, riddel furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Hiawatha (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f stk (7) pol in Sept.

Lucky Largo (IRE) 200-1 (9-6) Behind from halfway, 5th of 6, 42l behind Sasso (9-0) at Ayr 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft in Sept.

Magari 4-1fav (9-5) Prominent, every chance over 2f out, soon ridden, not quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Hiawatha (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f stk (7) pol in Sept.

Second Wind 200-1 (8-9) Slowly away, always well behind, last of 13, well behind Ruby Rocket (8-4) at Hamilton 6f stk (2) gd in Sept.

Susiedil (IRE) 14-1 (8-3) Tracked leader, ridden over 4f out and soon beaten, 11th of 13, 26l behind Chaka Zulu (9-3) at Ayr 1m 7f hcp (6) gd in Jul.

Zandeed (IRE) 28-1 (8-6) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 16, 18l behind Stellite (8-10) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Sept.

Mister Buzz 40-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 12, 13l behind Triple Zero (8-7) at Carlisle 1m 3yo sll (6) frm in Jul.