Verdict

With all of these having a first run over fences, the market may be the best guide but Fiston De Becon and Couldbeaweapon both won on soft going over timber, though the latter needs further than this. The lightly-raced ETALON was fourth in a Grade 3 on heavy going at Sandown in the spring and he is a half-brother to winning chaser Prince Escalus. Filanderer won his bumper on heavy ground but failed to place in seven runs over hurdles. The going may not be ideal for Blue Beach.

Formwatch

Etalon (IRE) 9-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, kept on run-in, 4th of 16, 9 3/4l behind Crambo (11-5) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (1) hvy in Mar.

Fiston De Becon (FR) 6-1 (11-7) In touch with leaders, ridden along after 3 out, soon no chance with leaders, weakened, 4th of 8, 20 3/4l behind Spirit D'aunou (11-6) at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gs in Apr.

Blue Beach 5-4fav (11-9) Prominent, disputed lead 4 out, ridden after 3 out and dropped to 4th, beaten 2 out, 5th of 8, 13 1/4l behind Moviddy (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m 5f (4) sft in Apr.

Couldbeaweapon (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Close up, pushed along before 5th, hit 4 out and reminders, soon tailed off, last of 5, 32 1/4l behind Benassi (12-5) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) sft in Apr.

Filanderer 7-1 (12-0) Held up towards rear, closer in mid-division 4 out, pushed along before mistake and weakened next, 14th of 16, dist behind Asian Spice (10-13) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (5) gs in Nov.