Verdict

OVERAWED ran better than expected when third on her hurdling debut at Ludlow. She'll have learnt plenty that day and can open her account here against more exposed rivals. Near To Tears was third in this last year and is having her fifth start here. She's preferred to Stuart Crawford's pair Whispering Affair and Indy Island. My Escapade and Definitely Glad have had their chances while stamina may be an issue for Star of Spring.

Formwatch

Definitely Glad (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up behind, chased leaders before last (usual 3 out), ridden and one pace before omitted last, no impression, 4th of 7, 5 1/2l behind Italian Riviera (11-12) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp (5) gf in Oct.

Indy Island (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Always behind, trailing 6th, no impression from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Down Royal 2m 4f gd in May.

My Escapade (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 26 1/2l behind Gold Chain (9-7) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug.

Near To Tears (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) Led, headed 2 out, soon driven, no impression on winner final 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Taurian (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (5) gd in Nov.

Overawed 16-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, led before 3 out, headed after hurdle, no extra flat, 3rd of 8, 10 1/4l behind Tara View (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov.

Star of Spring (IRE) 6-1 (9-5) Close up, ridden and edged left over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Faintly (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov.

Whispering Affair 4-1 (11-10) Alw rr, slw jmp 3rd, last 1/2way, wknd & pu bef 2out, at Necarne 3m mdn gd in May.