Verdict

JATILUWIH returns from a lay-off but is rated a respectable 145 over fences and is clear of today’s opposition. Philip Hobbs’ charge looks the one to beat on these terms. Reikers Island hasn’t won since 2018 but Dieu Vivant won one of these events at Ludlow last year, albeit in soft ground. Master Dancer has plenty to find at the weights but ran well for third at Chepstow recently.

Formwatch

Dieu Vivant (FR) 6-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, jumped right 2nd, went 2nd 7th, every chance before 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 7, 22 3/4l behind Zamparelli (11-10) at Ludlow 2m 4f (5) gd in Mar.

Footloose 8-1 (12-0) (h) (tt) bhnd til fell 11, at Upcott Cross 3m mdn gs in May.

Jatiluwih (FR) 4-6fav (12-0) Hdwy 5; lost plce 11; wl bhnd when pu 13, at Barbury Racecourse 3m gs in Dec.

Master Dancer 10-3 (11-12) Held up in last pair, headway chasing leaders before 5 out, went 3rd 4 out, plugged on, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Right Of Reply (11-12) at Chepstow 3m (5) gd in Apr.

Mister Serious (IRE) 100-1 (12-0) Held up in last pair, blundered and rider lost iron 14th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Cheltenham 3m 1f (4) gd in Apr.

Reikers Island (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Close up and tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, jumped right 8th, joined leader 5 out, led 3 out, pressed and ridden on the run to 2 out, headed on the run to the last, no extra, 5th of 11, 14l behind Soyouthinksoagain (11-1) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Mar.

Squirrel Esquire (12-0) No hdwy 13, 5th of 12, 23 1/2l behind Ballyboker Breeze (12-0) at Maisemore Park 3m gd in Mar.