tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Lease Lend, Abstract Art and Etxalar and the narrow nomination is given to Etxalar. The selection was a fair third behind Cryptic last time out, that horde has since franked the form and in receipt of weight from his main dangers he looks the one to be on. Abstract Art rates the main danger as he beat Fortunate Isle last time out, he goes on the ground and will not be far away but he looks vulnerable under top weight. Lease Lend is another last time out winner that could go well, he beat Important Business last time but this looks tougher. Riverbank Rainbow is unexposed and could improve but she may just need the run after a 265 day break while Quality Control hails from a yard in top form and is worth a cautionary look in the market but his overall profile leaves him with a little to find with the selection Etxalar.
Lease Lend 6-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, led 6th, driven out, won at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan beating Important Business (11-3) by 1/2l, 22 ran.
Abstract Art (USA) 13-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, blundered last, soon led, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Fortunate Isle (11-4) by 5l, 13 ran.
Original Fly (FR) 9-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led 7th, headed between last 2, soon weakened, 5th of 16, 13l behind Cryptic (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Etxalar (FR) 28-1 (10-12) In touch, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Cryptic (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Harry Wood (FR) Evensfav (11-5) Tracked leaders, led after 6th, ridden and headed last, kept on flat, 2nd of 15, 1l behind Master Builder (11-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Quality Control (IRE) 80-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 3rd of 7, well behind Tazbar (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 6f nov hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Riverbank Rainbow 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led after 3f, made rest, ridden clear 3f out, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) sft in May beating Al Tayyara (10-12) by 12l, 13 ran.
