Verdict

Executor failed to figure on his reappearance at Brighton in April but Bay of St Malo won at the same track a fortnight ago on fast ground. Blacklister was runner-up at Nottingham last month and the third-placed horse has since boosted the form by winning but BLUFF CRAG separated a couple of subsequent winners when third in a handicap at Newmarket on his latest start. That looks the strongest form on offer and Andrew Balding’s charge gets the nod to come out best.

Formwatch

Bay of St Malo (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Brighton 1m hcp fll (5) gf in Jun beating Carpe Diem Lady (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.

Blacklister 7-1 (9-0) Raced keenly, led, clear 3f out, ridden over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, kept on for clear 2nd, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Pirouette (9-0) at Nottingham 1m stks (5) gf in May.

Bluff Crag 7-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd near finish, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind World's Greatest (9-4) at Newmarket 1m hcp (5) gf in May.

Executor 5-2jfav (9-4) Soon led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra final furlong, 5th of 6, 6 1/2l behind Frozen Force (9-3) at Brighton 1m hcp (5) gf in Apr.