Verdict

POINT OF PRINCIPLE looks the one to beat on the back of a win at Ascot. He’s clear of Donna's Delight on these terms and Richard Johnson takes over the reins today. The latter won over track and trip last year and looks the main threat given Mankala’s poor effort at Ayr last time having finished much closer on his earlier hurdling debut. Haasab was still tailed off when third at Southwell recently and the remaining pair have shown nothing so far.

Formwatch

Donna's Delight (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, ridden before 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 15 1/4l behind Cadeyrn (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 6f (4) sft in Jan.

Point Of Principle (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leading pair, pushed along and effort between horses 2 out, soon hung right, 2nd between last 2, ridden to lead last, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Ascot 2m 3f (2) sft in Feb beating Dame De Compagnie (10-12) by ns, 5 ran.

Haasab (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Held up, went modest 3rd before 8th, well behind after 3 out, 3rd of 4, dist behind Good Man Pat (11-9) at Southwell 3m (4) sft in Mar.

Mankala (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Prominent, went 2nd before 6 out, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 9, dist behind Sweet As Candy (11-5) at Ayr 2m 5f mdn (5) hvy in Jan.

Montydarkdestroyer 25-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 17 1/2l behind Vanilla Run (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (6) gs in Apr.

Sting In His Tail (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Behind, pushed along after 4 out, soon outpaced, 5th of 9, dist behind Rosmuc Relay (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 4f (4) hvy in Feb.