Verdict

A tight little handicap, but Mi Odds, who has been in cracking form of late is taken to confirm recent form with Intricate Web. Norma Macauley's tough seven-year-old retains his form remarkably well and is a credit to her. Although he is creeping up in the weights again now, he is still reasonably well treated on the best of his form (won off a 3lbs higher mark last year), and the biggest threat to him here would be the lack of a strong pace, as this trip is the bare minimum for him nowadays. Intricate Web confirmed his well-being when chasing home Strong Hand and the selection here last month. However, while he is slightly better off at the weights, Mi Odds is expected to confirm that form. Middleton Grey has become disappointing and isn't certain to be suited by this trip, while Tight Squeeze isn't as good on the all-weather surfaces as she is on turf and would look to have plenty on off her current sand mark (17lbs higher than when last successful). A winner on soft ground over hurdles, Dower House is interesting on this Fibresand debut. Having done all of his all-weather racing on the Polytrack to date, this slower surface looks sure to help him. Ursa Major handles this surface, but is much better on the Polytrack, and in any case he is sure to benefit from the outing, his first for over a year. So, providing this is run at a sound pace, the consistent Mi Odds is the one they all have to beat.