Verdict

LE PREZIEN is a rare runner at the track for Paul Nicholls as he makes the long journey north for this Grade 2 prize. He just missed out in a similar contest at Haydock last time and may have the edge on likely market rival Charmix. The latter failed to complete in Grade 2 company at Cheltenham last time but had won easily at Newbury before that and should be in the mix. Meet The Legend also won a novice contest at Newbury recently and is preferred to Wetherby winners Lake View Lad and The Dutchman while Altruism has come up short in pattern company before and was pulled up last time.

Formwatch

Charmix (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Tracked leading pair, hit 4 out, driven and lost place before 2 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last, at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan.

Meet The Legend 7-2 (11-2) Pulled hhard tracking leaders, driven to challenge 2 out, led approaching when jumped left last, ran on strongly, won at Newbury 2m (3) hvy in Feb beating Emerging Talent (11-8) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.

Altruism (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Held up in rear, keen early, lost touch before 4th, tailed off approaching next, soon pulled up, at Musselburgh 2m (2) gs in Feb.

Lake View Lad (IRE) 5-2 (11-11) Close up, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well run-in, won at Wetherby 2m 4f (4) hvy in Feb beating Walking In The Air (11-4) by 4l, 10 ran.

Le Prezien (FR) 15-8fav (11-8) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 3 out, led last, headed last 100 yards, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Its'afreebee (11-8) at Haydock 2m (1) hvy in Jan.

The Dutchman (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led before 3 out, pecked 2 out, edged left from last, held on well, won at Wetherby 2m (4) hvy in Jan beating No Comment (11-4) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.