Verdict

The usual bumper rules apply here for punters who should keep an eye on the market for sure, and also consider those yards who do well at the track and in this sphere, which means we will short list Benno's Boy, Cadoudalas, All Out For Seven and Killyglen, and the vote goes to Cadoudalas. Malcolm Jefferson's runner was not far behind Killyglen when the latter won a bumper over c&d on soft ground last time and now has a 7lb pull with that runner. Both may well of course improve at different rates, but we are happy enough to side with Cadoudalas to reverse the placings today. Benno's Boy will surely prove to be better than when third in a big field Newcastle bumper on fast ground last month and he wouldn't have to improve much to figure more prominently here. All Out For Seven comes from an in-form yard with a great bumper record at the track and is very much respected, while the same can be said of Barra Lad. As we said, watch the market for clues, but Cadoudalas will do for us.

Formwatch

Killyglen (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Made all, ridden over 3f out, stayed on, won at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Nov beating Cadoudalas (11-2) by 2l, 12 ran.

Act Positive 11-2 (10-9) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, no impression, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Still At Lunch (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov.

All Out For Seven (IRE) Simply Great gelding, half-brother to 2m hurdle winner Tartan Khan.

Barra Lad (IRE) Quws gelding, brother to winning bumper Quws Lane.

Benno's Boy (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, stayed on final 2f, nearest finish, 3rd of 18, 13l behind Noble Alan (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Nov.

Cadoudalas (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Killyglen (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Nov.

Castletown Boy (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) With winner, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 6th of 12, 14l behind Killyglen (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Nov.

Classic Act 100-1 (11-1) In touch until outpaced from over 3f out, 6th of 11, 34l behind Harry Wood (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Feb.

Classic Moon (GER) 4-1 (11-2) Tracked leading pair, led 3f out, soon headed, ridden over 2f out, every chance until one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Broadway Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd.

Crackerjack Lad (IRE) Exit To Nowhere gelding out of winning bumper Crowther Homes.

Elegant Boy 10-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 6f out, weakened 4f out, 13th of 14, 29l behind Oscar Gogo (10-9) at Kelso 2m nhf (5) gf in May.

Rambling Brook Rambling Bear gelding out of winning hurdler Apollo's Daughter.

Solway Gunner Gunner B gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Solway Rose.

Water Music (FR) Selkirk gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.

Amulree Dancing High filly, half-sister to winning chaser Fearless Foursome.

Border Mist (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) Mid-division, weakened over 5f out, 15th of 17, 25l behind Cornerback (10-12) at Wetherby 2m mrs nhf (5) gd in Nov.

Primrose Time Alflora filly out of a moderate racemare.