Verdict

PREMIER SAGAS, twice a winner in novice company earlier this year, has competed at a high level subsequently and had little chance from 9lb out of the handicap on his reappearance. This is more his class and he can concede weight all round. Raysrock has unseated his rider twice over the C&D but has also scored twice here over the minimum trip while the heavier the ground the better for Lord Villez, though a strike-rate of 1-26 over fences is a poor return. Whats Up Woody looked a young chaser to follow when scoring over the trip at Carlisle in March but a 9lb rise and a long absence may prove difficult to overcome. Alexander Oats went up an astonishing 33lb after beating today's rival Sibenek over the C&D in February but was again in front of him over a longer trip on his next start and should go well.

Formwatch

Premier Sagas (FR) 6-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway to go 4th before last, one pace and no impression, 4th of 7, 22l behind Stagecoach Pearl (10-4) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs (2) gd.

Raysrock (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, tracked leaders before 7th, led 8th, headed 10th, tracked leader, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 9, 7l behind The Panama Kid (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gd.

Lord Villez (FR) 40-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, mistake 8th, no impression 4 out, weakened before last, 4th of 6, 34l behind Mr Moonshine (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 4f int chs (2) gs in Oct.

Tartan Snow 33-1 (9-11) Held up towards rear, hit 8th, soon reminders, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 38l behind Stagecoach Pearl (10-4) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs (2) gd.

Whats Up Woody (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders before 7th, led before 4 out, stayed on well from last, eased towards finish, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Mar beating Mister Marker (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.

Sibenek (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Held up, never near leaders, 5th of 8, 18l behind You Know Yourself (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.

Alexander Oats 20-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway 13th, in 5th when blundered 6 out, kept on and went 3rd after last, no impression, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Garleton (9-13) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Mar.