Last year's winner, THE DARK LORD, can deny fellow course specialist Cool Roxy and get the better of Spring Lover. Lucy Wadham's veteran has won four of his five starts at the track including last year's renewal of the Prince Carlton Challenge Cup and he's only 5lbs higher as he bids to retain the trophy. The conditions are fine and he can confirm December form with Cool Roxy. The Blackmore's stable star is a hugely popular performer but he could probably do with a little leniency from the handicapper; he should go well and is 4lbs better off with the selection for the two lengths he was beaten in December but may have to settle for a minor prize. Aztec Warrior's chances rest with a change of yard and blinkers but Spring Lover is the obvious threat to the two principals. Venetia Williams and Sam Thomas are enjoying a great run of form and this gelding bounced back to form at Ludlow on his latest start. He has won here but conditions are more testing than he'd care for and The Dark Lord is taken to rule supreme.
Cool Roxy 20-1 (11-6) Led, headed after 3 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Little Shilling (10-8) at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.
The Dark Lord (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Held up when blundered badly and unseated rider at the 12th in race won by Jass (10-9) at Doncaster 4m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Jan, 19 ran.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and lost place 6th, dropped to rear next, tailed off when pulled up at the 12th in race won by Alright Now M'Lad (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov, 14 ran.
Spring Lover (FR) 15-2 (11-4) Led to 3rd, remained prominent, led 13th, ridden approaching last, headed close home, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Fresh Air And Fun (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
Toni Alcala 50-1 (10-9) Raced wide, chased leaders, led 3rd until after 6th, weakened approaching 9th, tailed off, 11th of 16, well behind I'm The Decider (11-3) at Ludlow 3m amt hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
Boscall Hill (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Led until approaching 10th, weakend 4 out, no danger after, 4th of 8, 25l behind Mattaking (10-5) at Fakenham 2m 5f amt hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Jan.
