Verdict

This has been run twice and Devon-based handler Chris Honour has won both so With Poise is one to keep an eye on. Dan Skelton is in unstoppable form so Etalon, staying on in both starts over hurdles on quicker ground and likely to be suited by the conditions, should be difficult to beat. However, IN D'OR was placed twice at Auteuil in the spring and his conqueror in March as gone on to complete a four-timer including a Grade 1. He's now with Venetia Williams who should have him ready for this. Imperial Bede won a bumper in France and ran well after a long break at Leicester last month.

Formwatch

Coal Fire (IRE) 250-1 (11-8) Always in rear, pushed along before 8th, tailed off before 3 out, 10th of 15, dist behind Egbert (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn (4) sft in Jan.

Daany (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Pulled hard in rear, never a factor, tailed off throughout, 10th of 14, dist behind Hugos New Horse (11-13) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) hvy in Jan.

Etalon (IRE) 7-4fav (11-0) Held up rear of mid-division, closed from 4 out, not much room after 3 out, switched right before 2 out, soon ridden, went 2nd close home, no impression on winner, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Strong Leader (11-6) at Aintree 2m 1f (3) gs in Dec.

Imperial Bede (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, not fluent 1st or 2nd, headway after 5th, shaken up before 2 out, pecked last, went 3rd flat, kept on, no impression, 3rd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Mount Tempest (11-0) at Leicester 2m (3) gs in Dec.

Imperial Measure (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Off the pace in 5th, closer at 4th, hit 3 out, jinked badly right next, kept on, 5th of 14, 25l behind Hugos New Horse (11-13) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) hvy in Jan.

In d'Or (FR) (11-0) 3rd of 14, 14 1/2l behind Invincible Nao (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 1f hvy in Apr.

Mix Master 100-1 (11-1) Mid-division on inside, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 12th of 16, dist behind Libberty Hunter (11-1) at Chepstow 2m (4) sft in Jan.

Nordy Lordy (GER) 300-1 (11-4) Rear mid-division, hit 1st, headway to be prominent before 4th, not fluent 6th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 8th of 15, dist behind Saint Davy (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Dec.

Pencil (IRE) 250-1 (11-0) In rear, mistake 3 out, never on terms, 13th of 17, dist behind Grey Dawning (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) gs in Dec.

Prince Ali 40-1 (10-13) Raced keenly, chased (clear) winner until before 4 out, chased leaders, weakened quickly before next, tailed off, 11th of 13, dist behind Kingston Sunflower (11-5) at Hereford 2m (4) gd in Oct.

Regarde (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, headway before 3 out, held when mistake 2 out, 6th of 14, 27 1/4l behind Top Target (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 5f (4) sft in Dec.

Cast's Tasha (IRE) 100-1 (10-8) Chased winner, challenged and went left 3 out, lost 2nd next, driven and no extra in 3rd between last two, 3rd of 14, 16 1/2l behind Hugos New Horse (11-13) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) hvy in Jan.

Iconic Rock (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Kept out wide chasing leaders, disputing well held 3rd when fell last, at Ffos Las 2m 4f (4) sft in Feb.

Libertarian Royale (IRE) 300-1 (10-7) In touch, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 14, dist behind Deere Mark (11-0) at Hereford 2m (4) sft in Dec.

With Poise 100-1 (10-8) Raced keenly towards rear, tailed off before 3 out, soon pulled up, at Exeter 2m 1f (4) hvy in Jan.

Archie Macdart 125-1 (11-0) Rear mid-division, pushed along 3 out, plugged on, never a danger, 4th of 14, 31 1/2l behind Inspiratrice (10-7) at Taunton 2m (4) gs in Dec.