Verdict

FRASER CANYON will likely prove popular having won at Musselburgh before finishing runner-up at the same track in a higher grade than this. That’s the strongest recent form on offer given Steel Native has struggled since scoring here in December and Howaboutnever has been well beaten since landing a selling hurdle at Worcester last summer. Filatore slides further down the weights while this looks easier than Royal Claret’s latest task at Fontwell.

Formwatch

Abbeygrey (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, chased leaders, weakened quickly before 8th, soon behind, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Thomas Patrick (11-12) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Nov.

Steel Native (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Towards rear, ridden before 2 out, one pace, 5th of 9, 15 1/4l behind Hillary View (11-7) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (5) hvy in Feb.

Royal Claret 10-1 (10-9) Chased leader until after 7th, chased leaders, weakened before next, tailed off and pulled up after 3 out, at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Howaboutnever (IRE) 40-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway when mistake 7th, struggling after 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 18, dist behind Breaking Ground (10-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Feb.

Fraser Canyon 7-2 (10-13) Prominent, chased winner before 3 out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Jump For Dough (11-12) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Snazz Man 50-1 (11-2) Jumped left, held up in 5th, went remote 4th before 3 out, weakened into 5th last, 5th of 8, dist behind Scorpion Sid (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.

Filatore (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Led until ridden and headed on long run before 2 out, 3rd and held when blundered badly 2 out, no chance after, 5th of 6, 7 1/2l behind Pray For A Rainbow (11-6) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (5) hvy in Mar.