Verdict

Berlusca and Best Example are similar in that both have slipped down the weights and finished a bit closer on their latest starts. General Hazard landed a double in Class 6 company last month but is upped a couple of grades and recent Wolverhampton runner-up Ravenhoe also takes on tougher opposition. EXCEEDING POWER had looked in the handicapper’s grip until narrowly beaten at Lingfield on his first start over 1m2f. He may well improve further over today’s trip and gets another chance in this. Iberica Road won his maiden here but something was amiss last time while Mr Red Clubs is best at Wolverhampton.

Formwatch

Berlusca (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Keen, held up, towards rear, ridden and headway on outer over 1f out, every chance when edged left inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 3l behind Coillte Cailin (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (4) pol in Dec.

Best Example (USA) 25-1 (9-4) Behind, chased leaders over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 6th of 10, 4l behind Van Huysen (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Dec.

Hard To Handel 40-1 (9-4) Held up, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 23 3/4l behind Isharah (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Dec.

Iberica Road (USA) 9-1 (8-8) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 15, 28 1/2l behind Qaffaal (8-9) at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (3) pol in Dec.

Polar Forest 7-1 (9-2) Led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, chased winner until inside final furlong, weakened well inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 4 1/4l behind L'inganno Felice (9-2) at Newcastle 1m 2f stks (5) pol in Jan.

Mr Red Clubs (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Close up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 5, 6l behind Van Huysen (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp (5) gf in Jul.

Exceeding Power 16-1 (8-11) In touch, headway when not clear run approaching final furlong, ridden inside final furlong, staying on when hampered towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1/2l behind Elysian Prince (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Jan.

General Hazard (IRE) 9-4jfav (9-1) Held up and behind, not clear run on inside 2f out until over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went never nearer 4th close home, rider eased up and lost 3rd post, 4th of 13, 1 3/4l behind Maifalki (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Torch 25-1 (9-2) In rear, soon pushed along, never on terms, 7th of 8, 19 1/2l behind Holiday Magic (9-7) at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (4) pol in Dec.

Ravenhoe (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, hard pressed towards finish, headed post, 2nd of 9, hd behind Tan Arabiq (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Jan.