Verdict

Cotillion mopped up a couple of easy sellers before running a solid second in a much better contest and his sixth place at Chelmsford City earlier this week may well have been a prep run for this contest. He does now seem high enough in the weights though and CLYNE makes greater appeal. A winner of two of his five hurdle starts, he scored with something in hand here in December when handling conditions well. He should progress again and prove tough to beat off a 4lb higher mark. Cappielow Park also handles conditions and has done well since joining Ali Stronge. He looks the main danger off a 3lb higher rating for his latest success, acceptable treatment by the assessor.

Formwatch

Cotillion 6-1 (8-13) Slowly away towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, kept on, 6th of 9, 2 1/4l behind Cotton Club (10-0) at Chelmsford City 1m 6f hcp (4) pol in Feb.

Clyne 2-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, hit 4 out, challenged 2 out, led when went left approaching last, ridden out flat, won at Ffos Las 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Heath Hunter (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.

Global Thrill 40-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, weakened next, 11th of 12, 27 1/4l behind Floresco (10-13) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Beau Lake (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 9, 26l behind Prouts Pub (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.

Bishop Wulstan (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Led until 5th, stayed prominent until weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off before next, soon pulled up, at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.

Romeo Is Bleeding (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, headway 6th, 4th and no impression when mistake 3 out, well beaten after, 5th of 10, 15 1/2l behind Fishing Bridge (11-6) at Ludlow 3m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.

Sleepy Haven (IRE) 15-2 (11-9) Chased leaders to 5th, struggling and reminders after next, left modest 4th 4 out, kept on approaching next, held when fell 2 out, at Catterick 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Cappielow Park 6-1 (11-7) Led 1st until 4th, prominent, challenged last, led flat, stayed on, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Jaunty Inflight (10-4) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.