Verdict

AIR NAVIGATOR made an impressive start to his career at Exeter at the start of the year and that form could not have worked out any better with the next five all winning since. He only found one too good in a Listed race at Cheltenham on his reappearance and looks one to follow. Mercy Mercy Me’s Sandown victory has also been franked and he’s another who should win further races. Gwalia was only beaten a neck at Taunton while Locker Room Talk has point-to-point experience. Cul De Poule had a run at Worcester in June but would need a lot more to play a part here. Simply Loveleh may be the pick of the newcomers.

Formwatch

Air Navigator 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led over 3f out, came towards stands side rail over 1f out, soon ridden and headed, kept on, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Crooks Peak (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m lst (1) sft in Nov.

Mercy Mercy Me 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, chased leaders 4f out, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on under pressure to lead over 1f out, soon ridden, clear inside final furlong, won at Sandown 2m (4) gs in Nov beating Classic Ben (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.

Alminar (IRE) Arakan gelding out of Classic Magic.

Big Fred (IRE) Tikkanen gelding out of Whadouno.

Court Duty (IRE) 150-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, lost place over 3f out, last of 16, dist behind Good Boy Bobby (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (6) sft in Nov.

Cul De Poule 25-1 (11-0) In touch, lost place after 3f, driven over 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, almost grabbed 4th, 5th of 9, 4 1/4l behind Mcnamaras Band (10-11) at Worcester 2m (6) gd in Jun.

Gwalia (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, good headway chasing over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, went close 2nd and carried left briefly final 100 yards, held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Represented (11-3) at Taunton 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov.

Locker Room Talk (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Rr, prog running free frm 4th, ld frm 5th, 12l adv 1/2way, hdd bef 2out, 4l 2nd & no ch with wnr last, so flat, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Stay Humble (11-11) at Ballynoe 3m mdn gs in Apr.

Mister Rainman (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) With leader, led halfway, headed over 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Clondaw Castle (11-4) at Stratford 2m mdn (4) sft in Mar.

Hally's Kitchen 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, lost place over 4f out, soon behind, 9th of 14, 35 3/4l behind Hook Lane Roobee (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 2f (6) gs in Dec.

Simply Loveleh Beneficial filly out of Pippedatthepost.