Misty Mai has been upped 9lb after winning at Hereford and Bassarabad has a 10lb hike to contend with having won easily at Wetherby. Ceann Sibheal scored at Uttoxeter in between distinctly modest efforts while Lac Sacre is getting closer and just missed out over course and distance last time. But a tight contest can go to SOURIYAN (NAP), who has won off today’s mark over hurdles and has faced a couple of stiff tasks in better company than this over fences at Chepstow this year. He finished runner-up on the first of those occasions and can come out best with a repeat effort.
Souriyan (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, struggling 10th, rallied when slow next, weakening when went badly left 5 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, dist behind Thomas Patrick (10-12) at Chepstow 3m (4) hvy in Feb.
Misty Mai (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, led on inside 13th, made rest, came clear before last, stayed on well, won at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Grace Tara (11-11) by 7l, 7 ran.
Bassarabad (FR) 5-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, ridden after 5 out, went 2nd before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, led after 2 out, kept on well, won at Wetherby 3m hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating Lunar Flow (11-11) by 15l, 7 ran.
Firebird Flyer (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Mid-division, towards rear 2nd, pushed along before 3 out, never dangerous, 8th of 11, dist behind Jennys Surprise (11-9) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
Saint John Henry (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Held up in 6th, dropped to rear reminders and struggling after 10th, blundered next, tailed off and pulled up 13th, at Lingfield 3m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
Ceann Sibheal (IRE) 9-4 (12-4) Jumped left, tracked leaders, challenged 6th, led 8th, headed 9th, led 11th, headed after 3 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 6, 23 1/4l behind Oneida Tribe (11-12) at Towcester 3m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Pink Gin 13-2 (10-12) Prominent, led 3rd, fell 9th, at Towcester 2m 6f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Lac Sacre (FR) 12-1 (10-3) In rear, headway 5 out, clear before 3 out, chased winner before last, held near finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Jennys Surprise (11-9) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) hvy in Feb.