Verdict

Katie's Hen has been hard to predict since winning at Stratford in June but has been dropping down the weights and looks to have every chance in a low-key opener. Shotofwine is probably capable of better while Bracing and Cruachan also enter calculations. TOUCH OF STEEL won off a 3lb higher mark over course and distance just under a year ago and would have obvious claims if reproducing that form.

Formwatch

Improved (IRE) 10-1 (11-10) With leader, ridden after 4 out, soon lost place, weakened before next, tailed off, 10th of 13, dist behind Zakety Zak (10-0) at Wetherby 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.

Quest Magic (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, pushed along 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 12, 22l behind Catchthemoonlight (10-12) at Hexham 2m hcp (5) sft in Nov.

Urban Kode (IRE) 10-1 (11-10) Prominent, pushed along and lost place from 4th, well beaten after 4 out, 7th of 9, 33l behind Mitcd (10-3) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (5) gd in Nov.

Cruachan (IRE) 10-1 (10-6) Behind, driven after 4 out, headway under pressure 2 out, soon ridden, kept on flat, no impression, 6th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Lochnell (10-4) at Ayr 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.

Andhaar 22-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway from 2 out, never nearer, 6th of 12, 22 1/2l behind St Gregory (11-5) at Newcastle 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Katie's Hen (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Mid-division, not much room and lost place on bend after 6th, plugged on from last bend, 4th last, no impression, 4th of 10, 18l behind Midnight Gypsy (10-3) at Hereford 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Oct.

Touch Of Steel (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Never travelled, in last pair, struggling in rear after 8th, no chance when left modest 5th and slightly hampered 3 out, 5th of 7, 24 1/4l behind Rev Up Ruby (11-12) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.

Supreme Gael 66-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, struggling 4th, detached next, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Book At Bedtime (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Nov.

Shotofwine 8-1 (11-0) Not fluent 1st, led to 4 out, in touch, not fluent 2 out, soon lost place, weakened before last, 6th of 7, 29 1/4l behind Spirit Of Kayf (11-0) at Hexham 2m mdn (5) gs in Sep.

Bracing 17-2 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 12, 18l behind St Gregory (11-5) at Newcastle 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Bollin Julie 7-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, badly hampered 8th, behind next, pulled up before last, at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Feb.