Verdict

ALCAEUS (NAP) goes well fresh and is 6lb better off than when only beaten a head by Hassle over this trip at Ascot in July last year. He can make a winning reappearance ahead of Yorkidding, second to the selection's stablemate Sea Of Heaven over 2m at Chester last Saturday but having his 11th start of the campaign. Castle Combe won over the distance at Chelmsford at the start of the month but Oasis Fantasy is just as interesting given he's tackled many of the top staying handicaps over the summer, though he needs some help from the handicapper. Former Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate winner Ile De Re is a shadow of his former self.

Formwatch

Hassle (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on, nearest finish, 3rd of 16, 2l behind Nakeeta (8-4) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (2) gs in Sep.

Alcaeus 11-4fav (10-0) Last to break, held up in rear, headway on outside 2f out, ridden to challenge and rider dropped rein over 1f out, every chance and bumped inside final furlong, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 8, hd behind Hassle (9-9) at Ascot 1m 6f hcp (3) gf in Jul.

Oasis Fantasy (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 16, 9 3/4l behind Nakeeta (8-4) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (2) gs in Sep.

Castle Combe (IRE) 4-1fav (10-0) Held up in rear of the pace, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Chelmsford City 1m 6f hcp (4) pol in Sep beating Devon Drum (9-3) by 3/4l, 8 ran.

Ile De Re (FR) 40-1 (8-11) With leader, led after 2f, headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out, eased over 1f out, tailed off, last of 15, dist behind Seamour (8-7) at Haydock 2m hcp (2) gd in May.

Yorkidding 16-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, driven along and stayed same pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 7 1/4l behind Duretto (8-4) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Sep.