Verdict

RIVAL (NAP) can record back-to-back victories in this being 4lb lower in the weights than 12 months ago with the soft ground expected to bring his proven stamina into play. Change Of Fortune is 0-14 but will also be staying on when others have cried enough, though was behind Khangai over 1m2f here a month ago. Thewaytothestars won here in August and followed up at Windsor but has had a busy time of it lately with Sherood, placed at Newmarket and Haydock in July, having more scope. Leitrim Rock is another lightly-raced maiden with claims.

Formwatch

Nikovo 14-1 (9-9) Never closer than mid-division, 10th of 12, 8l behind D Day Odette (9-7) at Sandown 1m hcp (5) gs in Aug.

Zambezi Magic 17-2 (11-0) In rear, ridden 4 out, never on terms, 7th of 8, 27 1/2l behind Rath Gaul Hill (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m (4) sft in Nov.

Sherood 11-4 (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Isle Of Jura (10-7) at Newmarket 1m hcp (5) gd in Jul.

Change Of Fortune 12-1 (9-12) Mid-division on inside, rapid headway over 2f out, outpaced final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 8, 3 1/4l behind City Escape (9-9) at Ffos Las 1m 2f hcp (6) sft in Sep.

Rival 16-1 (9-8) In touch, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 5 3/4l behind Ciotog (10-0) at Bath 1m hcp (5) gd in Sep.

Thewaytothestars 9-1 (9-9) Off the pace and always towards rear, 9th of 12, 11 1/4l behind Lockdown Lass (9-3) at Chester 7f hcp fll (5) gs in Sep.

Khangai 9-1 (8-13) Led until over 2f out, chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 15 1/2l behind Ala Kaifi (9-8) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp (5) sft in Sep.

Leitrim Rock (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Mid-division, pushed along and went 3rd well over 2f out, held when weakened entering final furlong, 4th of 7, 7 1/2l behind Frankendael (10-1) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp (5) hvy in Sep.