Verdict

More implausibly dire fare but ROWAN LODGE looks a sporting selection against Thornaby Green and Royal Encore. Ollie Pears' charge ran third in a much better handicap than this over course-and-distance and while it is of obvious concern that we haven't seen him since, on some of his old turf form, he would have too much class for these. Thornaby Green is a confirmed front runner. His chances rest on whether he can get an uncontested run to the first turn. Royal Encore, Pab Special and Moment of Clarity all reoppose today and a turn around at these terms could prove difficult. The first of the trio perhaps being a little unlucky on balance as she was forced to race wide throughout. Alfredtheordinary is very well named. Bold Indian has gone well fresh in the past so don't discount Ian Semple's charge on a return from a sizeable absence. King Of The Beers has won here previously off a higher mark but he will need to overcome a high draw this afternoon. Samurai Warrior, who obliged here in November, appears best of the rest. Rowan Lodge gets the nod.

Formwatch

Moment of Clarity 5-1 (8-12) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 25l behind Cherri Fosfate (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Rowan Lodge (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on well, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Royal Island (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.

Pab Special (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden to lead 2f out, 2 lengths clear 1f out, stayed on, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Royal Encore (8-12) by 1/2l, 12 ran.

Rigat 18-1 (8-10) Keen in rear, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 5th of 12, 7l behind Cherri Fosfate (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Alexander Guru 9-2 (9-1) Took keen hold in mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden and hung left from over 1f out, weakened and eased inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Follow The Flag (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.

Royal Encore 4-1fav (8-12) Behind, ridden, headway over 2f out, wide straight, stayed on to take 2nd final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Pab Special (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Alfredtheordinary 14-1 (8-10) In touch, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 12, 10l behind Cherri Fosfate (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Thornaby Green 7-2fav (8-9) Mid-division, headway 3f out, soon ridden, one paced, 3rd of 13, 5l behind Mrs Bun (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs.

Siryena 8-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, tailed off in rear, pushed along 3f out, struggling after, 8th of 12, 15l behind Graylyn Ruby (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Oct.

Bold Indian (IRE) 6-1 (9-1) Led, ridden when headed over 1f out, weakened quickly, 9th of 12, 10l behind Faithful Ruler (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.

Broughtons Flight (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, driven over 2f, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 8l behind Lujano (9-4) at Southwell 1m 3yo hcp (6) fbs in Dec.

King of The Beers (USA) 8-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 3l behind Mr Chocolate Drop (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Dec.

Samurai Warrior 9-2 (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Smokey Rye (8-2) at Lingfield 1m app clm (6) pol in Dec.