Andytown looks a progressive sort and he can land another prize at the expense of Balyan and John Dillon. Nicky Richards charge won unconvincingly at Catterick in January but the second, Ignotus, has gone on to go first past the post in a subsequent event, so the form does at least have a degree of resonance about it. Balyan has yet to show any of the ability he once possessed on the flat. That said, his latest effort was at least a step in the right direction. John Dillon is not without his quirks but he put it altogether at Sedgefield to grind out victory. Cheekpieces replace the first time blinkers he sported on that occasion. Nelson Du Ronceray may have needed his first run following an absence. He handles the ground and does have the services of a useful 10lb claimer on board. Le Rouge Fatal is another to show his better form on this surface and off a light racing weight, he is one to note in the market. Stainley should make this a fair test from the front. A competitive race and Andytown just shades the vote.
Nelson du Ronceray (FR) 8-1 (10-2) In touch, chased winner from 5th until hit 4 out, tailed off next, 4th of 6, well behind Wild Cane Ridge (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy in Jan.
Andytown (IRE) 6-4fav (11-1) Prominent, effort 2 out, ridden to lead last, ran on well, won at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Ignotus (10-10) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Balyan (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division, steady headway at 4 out, ridden and effort 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 15, 9l behind Slavonic Lake (10-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Dec.
Stainley (IRE) 6-1 (10-6) Led, headed after 4 out, ridden and weakening when hampered and unseated rider 2 out in race won by Halla San (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd, 9 ran.
John Dillon (IRE) 4-7fav (10-12) Made all, hard pressed last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Nov beating Strobe (10-12) by 3l, 6 ran.
High Stand Lad 6-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, hampered 4 out, led approaching 2 out, soon ridden, headed after last, no extra, 2nd of 18, 1l behind Pelo Du Bief (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.
Desert Nova (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) In touch, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 15, 28l behind Mighty Fine (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jul.
Le Rouge Fatal (FR) 5-1 (10-6) Held up, chased leaders approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 24l behind Inch High (10-10) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan.
Longdale 33-1 (11-6) Mid-division, weakened from 4 out, 8th of 16, 27l behind Polly Whitefoot (10-3) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs.
