Verdict

A number here can probably be discounted straightaway, and we'll side with ISSAQUAH, ahead of Coconut Beach and Nelson du Ronceray. Malcolm Jefferson's having his best season for a number of years, and although the selection is joint top weight with Winter Sun, she's more than capable of completing a hat-trick, stretched out over more than a year. She won here over slightly further last time out, with Winter Snow well back in second. The latter was giving plenty of weight away that day though. Coconut Beach was a 350,000 Guineas purchase several years ago, being by Sadler's Wells, but never really looked like becoming the sort of horse that was hoped. One win in 23 attempts over hurdles tells its own story for the horse now owned and trained by Stephen Clark. He should certainly be better than a number of these. Likewise Nelson du Ronceray, who returns to hurdling after a second chase success, which has forced up his rating over the bigger fences. The ground shouldn't be a problem at all. This could prove to be a lively little heat, with our preference for Issaquah.

Formwatch

Tartan Snow 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, mistake 4th, stayed on to take 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 18, 7l behind Issaquah (9-7) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.

Issaquah (IRE) 5-1fav (9-7) Held up in touch, led approaching last, readily, won at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating Tartan Snow (11-2) by 7l, 18 ran.

Realism (FR) 5-1 (10-6) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 11, 18l behind European Dream (11-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.

Airhill Lady (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Rear of mid-division, progress into moderate 8th after 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 16, more than 16l behind Brotenstown (11-7) at Limerick 2m 3f hdl gs in Apr.

Coconut Beach 16-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 4 out, driven and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Heavenly Chorus (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.

Nelson du Ronceray (FR) 5-4fav (11-5) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, 5 lengths clear last, ridden and kept on flat, held on towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) sft in Jun beating Double Vodka (10-12) by 1/2l, 5 ran.

Prosecco (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-7) Mid-division, headway 5th, led before 3 out, ridden and kept on flat, held on towards finish, won at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov beating Random Native (11-9) by 1l, 13 ran.

Tiger King (GER) 12-1 (9-13) Held up, weakened approaching 7th, 10th of 18, 32l behind Issaquah (9-7) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.

Royal Flynn 16-1 (10-12) Towards rear, hit 4 out, soon weakened, 11th of 16, 25l behind Bolodenka (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.

Charlie Tango (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, 8th of 9, well behind Prince Linamix (10-10) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.

Soul Angel 8-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, headway 5th, challenged and every chance 3 out, ridden and one pace approaching last, no impression flat, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Prosecco (11-7) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.