Verdict

ROYAL RESERVE carried good form on the Flat last year back over hurdles by winning at Newcastle and a 5lb rise is not excessive. Nayati was a fair third at Chepstow in October but disappointed in subsequent starts and has now switched stables. Desert Island Dusk is still 5lb higher than when scoring at Hexham last June while Green Zone is 6lb higher than when successful at Newcastle in December .

Formwatch

Nayati (FR) 6-1 (11-4) In touch in mid-division, ridden before 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Secrete Stream (11-7) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.

Royal Reserve 6-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway and switched right approaching last, ridden to lead flat, ran on well, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Wishfull Dreaming (11-6) by 1l, 6 ran.

Desert Island Dusk 9-1 (10-5) Chased leading pair, 2nd after 4 out, led and hung left before next, soon headed, chased winner until next, kept on same pace run-in, lost 2 places towards finish, 4th of 7, 4l behind Cornborough (11-1) at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.

Green Zone (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Behind, hit 5th, mistake next, headway when hampered 2 out, chased leaders last, never a threat, 5th of 7, 7 3/4l behind Chebsey Beau (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jan.