Verdict

After a lengthy lay-off, KING OF GLORY returned to action at Sandown last Friday and would probably have won but for a blunder at the second-last. He had to settle for second in the end but this looks a much weaker race and, if that run hasn’t deadened the batteries, he should be hard to beat today as his stable is in a rich vein of form. Morning Reggie was never travelling at Sandown last month but this is easier and blinkers could help. Ballycoe could also figure but Lemon's Gent is now on a career-high mark after winning at Southwell in December. The remaining trio make limited appeal in this grade.

Formwatch

Morning Reggie 8-1 (11-2) Towards rear, hit 9th, jumped slowly next, never on terms, 9th of 14, 31 1/4l behind Mercian Prince (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

King Of Glory 12-1 (10-6) Took keen hold, held up in touch, steady headway tracking leaders 11th, mistake 15th, 3rd travelling well before 3 out, 2nd soon after, every chance when stumbled badly 2 out, not recover, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Willoughby Hedge (11-2) at Sandown 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.

Lord Ben (IRE) 6-4 (11-12) Led, joined 4 out, headed next, ridden and no impression with rival pair after next, tired jump last, last of 3, 23l behind Streams Of Whiskey (11-12) at Market Rasen 3m (6) sft in Feb.

Ballycoe 16-1 (10-10) Always behind, tailed off, 8th of 14, 30 1/4l behind Mercian Prince (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Lord Landen (IRE) 9-1 (11-9) Took keen hold, held up, headway to lead 7th until after 4 out, chased leader, every chance 3 out, ridden before next, weakened between last 2, 7th of 8, 37 1/4l behind Black Narcissus (11-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Feb.

Lemon's Gent 8-1 (11-9) Jumped well, made all, set steady pace and pushed along at times, increased tempo before 3 out, 2 lengths ahead last, hard ridden run-in, held on gamely towards finish, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Global Dream (11-9) by nk, 7 ran.

Eaton Rock (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) In rear and in touch, went 3rd before 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 4, 16 3/4l behind Edgar (11-8) at Towcester 2m hcp (5) hvy in Feb.