Verdict

Milan Deux Mille, Kanpai and Cava Bien are three against the field in a competitive opener and the vote is given to Milan Deux Mille. The selection was a fair sort in bumpers and was going well when unseating on his hurdling debut. He has conditions to suit and if he puts in a clear round here he will be hard to beat. Kanpai rates the main danger on his latest third behind Grasp but he gave the impression he would be suited by a longer trip on that occasion and so the drop in distance has to be of concern. Cava Bien is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he looks vulnerable to a less exposed type. Of the remainder Whistle Blowing showed improved form to be third last time out and is another with place claims while Ellerslie Tom is another with ability but continues to be let down by his jumping and for the winner we return to Milan Deux Mille.

Formwatch

Cava Bien 7-2 (11-1) Behind from 3rd, under pressure from 5th, well behind when mistake next, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Amanpuri (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Feb.

Ellerslie Tom 18-1 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 10, 28l behind Afsoun (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4yo nov hdl (2) gd in Feb.

Imlaak 100-1 (10-7) Always behind, 12th of 18, well behind Regal Heights (10-13) at Ayr 2m mdn hdl (4) hvy in Jan.

Imperioli 66-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, ridden and struggling after 5th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Heathcote (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs in Feb, 11 ran.

Kanpai (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) In touch, chased winner after 6th, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Grasp (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.

Lucky Shame (FR) 100-1 (10-12) Held up behind, pulled hard, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Shamayoun (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb, 13 ran.

Milan Deux Mille (FR) 2-1fav (10-2) Led after 1st until went badly left and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Flying Falcon (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb, 13 ran.

Mr Mayfair (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Livingonaknifedge (11-7) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Feb, 13 ran.

Olival (FR) 11-2 (10-9) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, kept on and no impression from next, 4th of 18, well behind Orcadian (11-4) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.

Paddy's Tern 150-1 (7-7) Prominent, outpaced over 5f out, 8th of 9, 38l behind Pass The Port (8-9) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan (Flat).

Sands Point (FR) (9-2) Held up, headway over 2f out, every chance, no extra, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Seeland Empire (9-2) at Taby 1m 6f stk frm in Oct (Flat).

Secret Pact (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 18, 14l behind Regal Heights (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.

Suivez Moi (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 16, 10l behind Mineko (8-9) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) sft in Oct (Flat).

Whistle Blowing (IRE) 16-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Mith Hill (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.

Devils Delight (IRE) 100-1 (10-3) Towards rear, pushed along 4 out, stayed on one pace from 2 out, 4th of 13, 6l behind Kerry's Blade (10-10) at Kelso 2m 3yo nov hdl (D) gf in Oct.

Haenertsburg (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) Led until mistake and headed 4th, soon weakened, tailed off 3 out, 7th of 9, well behind Dan's Heir (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (D) gd in Jul.

Hannah's Tribe (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Patman Du Charmil (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gs in Oct, 15 ran.

Taylor Maid 33-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon weakened, last of 13, 33l behind Sierra (9-3) at Southwell 7f banded stk (7) fbs in Jan (Flat).