Verdict

A 9lb rise for his narrow success at Leicester for QUINTE DU CHATELET looks harsh at first glance but David Pipe's gelding was value for more than the winning margin would suggest that day and he can defy the rise in the weights and win again with the main dangers rated as Sir Kezbaah and Strategic Plan. The last mentioned has shown improved form of late with a win here followed by a decent effort in defeat at Plumpton last month but he has a career-high mark to defy now and may need some help from the handicapper. Hopeful Start, a point-to-point winner in Ireland, has shown only a modicum of ability in three starts under rules but starts his handicap career off a fair mark so he cannot be discounted although more solid claims are probably held by Mister Wiseman. Nigel Hawke's gelding has run creditably in his last few starts over fences and now returns to hurdles on a fair mark. Victor Dartnall's Sir Kezbaah has run to a consistent level of form and has run promisingly in both starts in handicaps so he has to be respected but preference is for Quinte du Chatelet, who can win again and make it three on the bounce.

Formwatch

Quinte du Chatelet (FR) .

Sir Kezbaah (IRE) .

Mister Wiseman .

Hohlethelonely .

Strategic Plan (FR) .

Hopeful Start (IRE) .

Drumbeater (IRE) .

Ouest (FR) .

Pearl (IRE) .

Monsieur Cadou (FR) .