Verdict

Ballybreen was prolific last season but has barely raised a gallop in two runs this term. Robin Of Sherwood blotted his copybook last time at Taunton and though Misty Mai won here two runs ago she has failed to complete in three of her last four. Sandford Castle carries a penalty having achieved a first career victory in 20 attempts at Taunton last week but that is cancelled out by Kevin Brogan’s claim. DON HERBAGER was returning from a long absence when only beaten half-a-length at Lingfield and didn’t really get the run of the race when a close third here subsequently, ahead of Robin Of Sherwood. Stamina isn’t guaranteed over this trip but he does look the form pick.

Formwatch

Robin Of Sherwood (IRE) 9-2 (10-10) Always in rear, jumped with little fluency throughout, pulled up before 10th, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Clondaw Rigger (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Held up, always in rear, 9th of 10, dist behind First Man (10-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (5) sft in Dec.

Game Line (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Led, headed 9th, close up, ridden 2 out(usual 4 out), kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 13 1/2l behind Silent Man (11-0) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) hvy in Nov.

The Dawn Man (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Towards rear, closed 5th, pressing leader 2 out, no extra before last, went 4th flat, 4th of 14, 13 1/2l behind Asking For Answers (11-4) at Hexham 3m hcp (5) hvy in Dec.

Don Herbager (FR) 9-4fav (10-6) Held up, headway3 out, ridden and every chance last, stayed on, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Lamanver Bel Ami (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (5) hvy in Nov.

Misty Mai (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Unseated rider 1st, at Taunton 3m 2f hcp (5) hvy in Dec.

Newlands Cross (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, lost place 5th, rallied on long run approaching last, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 18l behind Silent Man (11-0) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) hvy in Nov.

Special Buddy (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led, pecked 4th, headed before 4 out, 3rd and weakening when fell next, at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) sft in Nov.

Sandford Castle (IRE) 11-4fav (10-5) Held up towards rear, smooth progress after 12th, led 4 out, extended lead before 2 out, kept on, easily, won at Taunton 3m 2f hcp (5) hvy in Dec beating Dont Be Robin (10-3) by 2l, 12 ran.

Onurbike 20-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden 6 out, dropped to rear, headway to chase leaders 4 out, briefly joined leader before 3 out, no extra after 2 out, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 9, 15l behind Silent Man (11-7) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (5) hvy in Nov.

Mount Oliver (IRE) 7-4fav (11-1) Prominent, pecked 2nd, lost place when not fluent next, blundered 5th, not fluent 8th, ridden when not fluent 11th, weakened 13th, pulled up before 2 out, at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (5) hvy in Mar.

Muilean Na Madog (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Not jump well, always behind, pulled up before last, at Hexham 2m hcp (5) hvy in Dec.

Ballybreen (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Chased leaders on inside, lost place 3rd, behind when mistake 5th, pulled up before 3 out, at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Pleney 9-2 (11-3) In touch, tracked leaders 6th, ridden to chase winner 2 out(usual 4 out), kept on one pace, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Silent Man (11-0) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) hvy in Nov.

Definately Vinnie 50-1 (11-4) Held up in mid-division, ridden along after 4 out, faded from 3 out, 11th of 14, dist behind Memphis Bell (11-0) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) gs in Oct.