Verdict

ATLANTA BLAZE is a regular in races of this type and she’s won three times in this grade, including on her reappearance at Market Rasen – she is the one to beat again. Kalahari Queen is capable but ended the last campaign with a poor run and was also well beaten in a pipe-opener over hurdles. My Old Gold had no chance against higher rated rivals here on her return to action and fared accordingly but she did win one of these at Perth in April, hence the penalty. The others have a mountain to climb on these terms.

Formwatch

Atlanta Ablaze 3-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, slow 4th, pushed along before 3 out, closed and went 2nd 2 out, challenged flat, led towards finish, won at Market Rasen 3m lst (1) hvy in Nov beating Annie Angel (11-0) by 1/2l, 4 ran.

My Old Gold (IRE) 22-1 (10-13) In rear and in touch, one pace and no impression from 3 out, last of 4, 14 1/4l behind Lostintranslation (11-8) at Carlisle 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Nov.

Hidden Dilemma (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) Chased clear leading pair, ridden and weakened 4 out, 3rd of 5, dist behind Windsor Avenue (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov.

Holly Flight (FR) 6-1 (11-12) Held up, towards rear for most, ridden and no impression after 4 out, weakened, 6th of 8, dist behind Mr Smith (11-3) at Roscommon 3m hcp sft in Aug.

Kalahari Queen 16-1 (11-2) Chased leader until 5th, chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, weakened soon after, 10th of 14, dist behind Misty Bloom (10-3) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Nov.