Verdict

It was testing ground when Themanfrom Minella won at Warwick last month and he should go well again despite an 8lb rise. Frank N Fair’s winning run came to end here last week having landed a double over course and distance before that and it could be the turn of ROYAL PALLADIUM today. The latter missed most of last year but returned to action with a third at Exeter and Venetia Williams’ charge can race off the same mark in this. Morney Wing won off a higher mark here at this time last year and may prove best of the rest.

Formwatch

Royal Palladium (FR) 14-1 (11-11) Led, ridden after 4 out, headed after next, rallied last, one pace flat, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Ask The Weatherman (12-4) at Exeter 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.

No Buts 18-1 (10-8) Tracked leader until mistake 14th, chased leaders, mistake and weakened next, 5th of 7, 34 1/4l behind Tintern Theatre (11-4) at Kempton 3m hcp (2) sft in Dec.

Themanfrom Minella (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, soon ridden to press leader, led next, clear last, eased flat, won at Warwick 3m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Paddy The Oscar (11-2) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.

Morney Wing (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Led, ridden after 4 out, headed next, weakened after 2 out, well beaten in 4th when refused last, at Uttoxeter 3m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Invicta Lake (IRE) 11-1 (10-10) Held up in 5th or 6th, headway 4th, pushed along chasing leading trio after 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 8, 21 3/4l behind Golan Fortune (11-8) at Ascot 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Dec.

Frank N Fair 11-1 (10-0) Waited with towards rear, steady headway before 4 out, 3rd before next, plugged on, never any chance with easy winner, 3rd of 11, 13l behind Vinnie Lewis (11-5) at Plumpton 3m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.