Verdict

Gunsight Ridge returns from an absence though won at Aintree on last year’s seasonal debut and is only 2lb higher for this. XCITATIONS faced a stiffer task when third at Newbury last time having earlier won at Sandown and Pam Sly’s charge gets another chance in this. Escapeandevade will be sharper for last month’s pipe-opener and is not badly treated on previous winning form and Cornerstone Lad runs in this rather than a Class 3 at yesterday’s fixture here. Gold Des Bois has been back on a winning mark for a while though looks no nearer taking advantage.

Formwatch

Xcitations 6-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 4 out, pushed along and outpaced 3 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 6, 13 1/2l behind Elixir De Nutz (12-1) at Newbury 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec.

Gunsight Ridge 3-1fav (11-6) Disputed lead, slight mistake and lost ground next, remained prominent to 4 out, pushed along 3 out, lost fourth run in, 5th of 13, 10 1/4l behind Brave Seasca (12-1) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Dec.

Cornerstone Lad 13-2 (11-3) Held up in last pair out wide, closer at 8th, 3rd 5 out, went 2nd 3 out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 25l behind Grandeur D'ame (11-1) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.

Escapeandevade (IRE) 9-2 (11-11) Led, jumped well, ridden 4 out, headed 2 out, weakened approaching last, last of 4, 10 3/4l behind Gallic Geordie (11-2) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Gold Des Bois (FR) 12-1 (10-11) Mid-division on inside, pushed along before 3 out, soon weakened, lost touch 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 11, 36l behind Triple Trade (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m hcp (2) gs in Nov.