Verdict

Although due to go up 5lbs in future handicaps following his win in a Ludlow selling hurdle earlier this month, Prince Of Persia makes limited appeal having been well beaten over course and distance subsequently and preference is for Beauly, who gets the verdict over Comete du Lac. The last mentioned has struggled since winning at Chepstow in January and may still be a shade high in the weights. Kew Jumper showed signs of ability at Huntingdon last time and is preferred to Afeef of the remainder but the one they all have to beat is Beauly. A winner at Warwick in similar company in December, John O'Shea's gelding has had a break since disappointing at Bangor later that month and, coming here fresher than some, gets the nod.