The Crooner is 3lb out of the handicap but is only four and very much on the upgrade judging by last week's victory at Leicester. DOSTAL PHIL hasn't run since an easy victory over the course and distance in March but goes particularly well fresh and is still on a fair mark. Vinnie Dev won a point in March and reappeared with a hard-fought victory over hurdles at Uttoxeter. He was taking on much better company at Ascot later and this is more his grade. Storm Home completed a double in novice hurdle company in spring last year but has failed to make the expected progress. Ghost Serge, who won on the Flat and over hurdles in France, refused to race on his debut at Lingfield in December and has changed stables. Trans Express beat Sir Ivan narrowly in the race last year but the runner-up is much better off though neither have been running well.
Sir Ivan 28-1 (11-12) In touch, lost place after 4 out, behind when pulled up after 2 out, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Dostal Phil (FR) 13-8 (11-2) Held up off the pace towards rear, steady headway 5th, went 3rd next, closer when left in lead and hampered 3 out, clear going strongly before last, easily, won at Exeter 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Mar beating No Rematch (11-2) by 5l, 10 ran.
Storm Home (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Chased winner until lost action after 6th, soon pulled up, dismounted, at Newton Abbot 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Vinnie Dev (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Disputed lead until led after 3 out, headed before next, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Valtor (10-12) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov.
Trans Express (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) With leader to 3 out, soon pushed along and weakened, 7th of 8, 31l behind Song For Someone (12-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Ghost Serge (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Refused to race, at Lingfield 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Show On The Road 5-1 (11-12) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, lost place after next, weakened 2 out, 7th of 10, 21 1/2l behind Sizing At Midnight (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in May.
The Crooner (FR) 3-1 (11-9) Led, headed before 2 out, rallied to regain lead last, just held on, all out, won at Leicester 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating The Game Is A Foot (11-2) by hd, 5 ran.
