Verdict

Nicky Richards and Lennie Lungo have both farmed this race in recent years and have representatives here in Viking Rebel, Meertrix and Berwick Law and Viking Rebel gets the vote. Nicky Richards must be really looking forward to campaigning this 120,000 guineas purchase, who began to repay some of that outlay when winning over c&d on his hurdling debut last month. Cut in the ground suits, and he definitely looked a horse to keep on the right side of, so we will not oppose. Meertrix should improve too, but looks very much the stable's second string, while Berwick Law is respected back at a track where he won two heavy ground bumpers last season. Original Fly may prove to be the big danger to the selection after a ready success on good ground at Aintree and as one who handles cut he could go very close, but preference is for Viking Rebel.

Formwatch

Sadler's Cove (FR) 16-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, no extra from next, 4th of 17, 9l behind Lago (10-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f amt hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Nov.

Original Fly (FR) 18-1 (10-10) Made most, ridden and headed last, rallied to regain lead flat, all out, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov beating Coq Hardi (11-11) by 2l, 12 ran.

Viking Rebel (IRE) 10-11fav (10-12) Held up in touch, headway 4 out, led next, clear from 2 out, won at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Etxalar (10-12) by 5l, 10 ran.

Berwick Law (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway 4 out, effort next, soon outpaced, ridden and kept on flat, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind All For The Cause (11-0) at Newcastle 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gs.

Carrick Dhu (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden to chase winner approaching last, no impression, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Rodrigo Gonzales (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.

Etxalar (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led 4 out, ridden and headed next, no impression, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Viking Rebel (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.

Inverlochy Lad (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) With leader, led 2nd until 4 out, weakened from next, 7th of 10, well behind Viking Rebel (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.

Justtheoneforyou 66-1 (10-12) Held up behind, pushed along and headway 3 out, kept on from next, no impression, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Star Player (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.

Meertrix (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, soon weakened, 8th of 16, 40l behind Moonhawk (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.

Mey Clouds (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Chased leaders to 6th, weakened next, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Star Player (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov, 16 ran.

Moneamon 80-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 7th, weakening when hit 2 out, behind and pulled up at the last in race won by Arctic Echo (10-13) at Hexham 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in May '06, 12 ran.

Pendragon (USA) 66-1 (10-11) In touch, close up 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 5th of 6, well behind Cash Flow (10-1) at Perth 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Aug.

Simonside 10-3fav (11-8) Raced keenly, led, headed well over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 14, 11l behind Broomhill Flyer (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in Nov.

Clovella 250-1 (10-9) Mid-division, weakened halfway, 7th of 13, well behind Quarry Island (10-12) at Hexham 2m mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Jun.

Tinto Verano (IRE) 40-1 (10-10) Towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Valentines Lady (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) gs, 16 ran.