Verdict

It might be worth chancing Lewis Island in this company and he gets the nod over stablemates Time To Roam and Downtherefordancing, who have claims at this level and have to be respected. So too does Kings Castle who put in a fair effort at Hereford last month and he will be hard to keep out of the frame with a similar performance today. However, he could not go the pace that was set by the selection the last time they came into opposition and he has something to prove on only his second start since last March. Time To Roam looks the pick of the Martin Pipe-trained pair and he too should be on the premises if he consents to give his all today. However, Lewis Island has much the best hurdles form to his name and off level weight, he could easily slip the field if he is allowed an easy lead this afternoon.

Formwatch

Downtherefordancin (IRE) 11-1 Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, kept on from 2 out, 4th of 13, 3l behind Pequenita at Taunton 2m 1f sll hdl (G) gs in Feb.

Lewis Island (IRE) 3-1fav Led, soon clear, headed approaching 4 out, weakened before next, 8th of 9, well behind Polish Cloud at Perth 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-130 (E) gs in Apr.

Time To Roam (IRE) 4-1 Held up towards rear, mistake 5th, headway 6th, ridden and chased winner 3 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Pequenita at Taunton 2m 1f sll hdl (G) gs in Feb.

Grand Prairie (SWE) 7-2 Held up in 6th, beaten before 6th, 4th and no chance when hit 2 out, 4th of 7, 23l behind Caballe at Plumpton 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (F) sft in Feb.

Kings Castle (IRE) 7-2jt-fav Held up, headway 7th, led after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, every chance flat, not quicken, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Penny's Crown at Hereford 2m 3f sll hdl (G) sft in Feb.

Ela Figura 16-1 Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 6th of 14, 3l behind Radlett Lady at Southwell 5f stk (H5) fbs in Jan (Flat).