Verdict

This is not the best race in the world but it is competitive with Candarli, Moon Shot and Grey Report all with chances but we will side with the last named as the likely winner. Grey Report at one point in career was rated one hundred and forty six. He was top class and could have picked the rest of the field up and carry them to victory two years ago. He was a top novice but lost his way last season. He has not run for somtime but dropped to this grade he has to be respected and for that reason is difficult to oppose. Candarli is another rated far superior to most of his rivals and at one point was a fair handicapper before losing his way. He did win a little handicap last year at Huntingdon and as a result he has a penalty to carry but if repeating that performance he holds a chance. As does Moon Shot who has run well in similar graded company this season and is one to note. But for the winner we return to Grey Report who we hope to see recapture his old enthusiasm.

Formwatch

Candarli (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Raced on inside, led to 2nd, chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out, soon eased when no chance, last of 7, well behind Romany Prince (11-7) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.

Caliban (IRE) 100-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, weakened before 4 out, 9th of 13, well behind Sunisa (10-2) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.

Grey Report (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Not fluent, led until tried to stop and not run on after 7th, virtually pulled up after, 13th of 17, well behind Standin Obligation (11-2) at Cheltenham 3m 1f lst hcp hdl (A) gs in Nov '05.

Moon Shot 14-1 (11-1) Held up, smooth headway 6th, no impression when mistake last, 3rd of 12, 8l behind Heathyards Joy (10-13) at Ludlow 2m sll hdl (5) gd in Nov.

Sean Og (IRE) 80-1 (11-4) Held up good headway on outside to lead 3 out, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 15, 3l behind Viscount Rossini (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov clm hdl (4) gs in Jan.

Visibility (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Always behind, last of 12, well behind Rockys Girl (9-7) at Taunton 3m amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.

A Double Ewe Bee 7-2 (10-3) Behind, headway 5th, chased winner 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakened flat, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Blackthorn (11-3) at Leicester 2m sll hdl (4) hvy in Nov.

Bathwick Rox (IRE) 13-2 (10-5) Mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 10, 16l behind Final Bid (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 3yo nov sll hdl (5) gs in Dec.