Verdict

This looks wide open but Van Gerwen is 7lb lower than when landing the spoils 12 months ago. Strong Power has a much higher rating on the all-weather and Burj Malinka is running well enough to get involved again with his yard in good form. MAY BLOSSOM is eased in grade and a pound lower than her last winning mark so gets the nod, though Dream By Day is 3lb lower than when winning on soft ground here last year and he would come into contention if the heavens were to open. Good Luck Fox looks best of the rest.

Formwatch

May Blossom 15-2 (9-7) Front mid-division, ridden well over 1f out, no real progress, 7th of 17, 3 1/2l behind Good Earth (9-11) at Beverley 5f hcp (4) gf in Jun.

Strong Power (IRE) 18-1 (9-7) Steadied start, held up in last trio, ridden along 2f out, no headway, 6th of 9, 6 1/4l behind Coco Bear (9-5) at Ascot 6f hcp (4) sft in May.

Sound Reason 17-2 (9-10) Held up in touch, pushed along over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Majeski Man (9-3) at Beverley 5f hcp (5) gs in May.

Good Luck Fox (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Glory Fighter (9-1) at Catterick 5f hcp (4) gf in Jun.

Jojo Rabbit 7-1 (9-9) Disputed lead, pushed along over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra final 110yds, 4th of 8, 2 1/4l behind Muker (9-2) at Ayr 5f hcp (5) gd in May.

Dream By Day 7-1 (9-6) Prominent down centre, outpaced passing halfway, dropped to last final strides, never dangerous, last of 7, 6 1/4l behind Silent Flame (9-9) at Windsor 5f hcp (5) sft in May.

Burj Malinka (IRE) 10-3 (8-12) Tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and kept on one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Vince Lombardi (9-3) at Hamilton 6f hcp (4) gd in May.

Van Gerwen 4-1 (9-13) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, hung right and weakened inside final 2f, 6th of 11, 5 1/2l behind Imperial Khan (9-8) at Beverley 5f hcp (6) gf in May.

Faustus 9-2 (9-6) Always in rear, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, eased entering final furlong, last of 7, 29 3/4l behind Glamorous Breeze (9-7) at Windsor 5f hcp (4) gf in May.

Eeh Bah Gum (IRE) 33-1 (9-4) Led, pushed along halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened rapidly, soon behind, tailed off and eased final furlong, last of 9, 21 1/4l behind Sheikh Maz Mahood (9-0) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4) gd in May.