Verdict

Solstalla was in good form last summer, winning at Worcester and Newton Abbot, but she hasn’t raced since October so others are preferred. LISTEN TO THE MAN has been beaten at odds-on in both starts over hurdles but she probably came up against a decent novice at Southwell last time and is fancied to open her account today getting 3lb from the more-exposed May Hay. The latter is 2lb lower than when scoring at Stratford last June but she is probably better when the mud is flying, though does prefer small fields. Lady Longshot appeared to run well at Exeter last month but has flattered to deceive before.

Formwatch

May Hay 16-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, ridden and headed between last 2, weakened last, 5th of 8, 9 1/2l behind Crievehill (12-0) at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.

Listen To The Man (IRE) 10-11fav (10-11) Always prominent, effort 2 out, soon ridden to challenge, one pace approaching last, no impression after, 2nd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Louis' Vac Pouch (11-4) at Southwell 2m (4) sft in Jan.

Solstalla 10-1 (10-13) Tracked winner until 4th, chased leading pair but not on terms when fluent 3 out, pushed along and outpaced when lost 3rd well before next, weakened into poor 5th towards finish, last of 5, 17 1/4l behind Black Corton (11-6) at Kempton 2m lst (1) gd in Oct.

Lady Longshot 14-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, took keen hold, closed 3 out, led 3 out, headed after 2 out, no extra towards finish, 5th of 8, 4 3/4l behind Martha Mccandles (11-8) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Cosmic Diamond 7-1 (10-10) Held up, headway chasing leaders approaching 5th, ridden in 6th and weakened before 2 out, 6th of 11, dist behind Amron Kali (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (5) sft in Jan.