Verdict

Dual C&D winner Marcus Antonius saves his best for this track and even scored over hurdles here in February. He's 6lb higher than last year's win on the Flat, however, and is closely matched with Boston Blue on their recent running at Kempton when Kavaloti finished further behind. Gilded Age is looking to end a long losing run but should be thereabouts though VELOCE could prove too good. The latter returned to action with a victory at Wolverhampton last month and a 4lb rise may not be enough to prevent a follow-up now he's finally got his head in front.

Formwatch

Boston Blue 12-1 (9-6) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never going pace to get involved, 5th of 11, 7l behind Rasheed (9-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.

Gilded Age 8-1 (9-6) Led, strongly challenged from over 3f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind The Absent Mare (8-10) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.

Marcus Antonius 8-1 (9-6) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, edged right over 2f out, headway on outside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders, 6th of 11, 8l behind Rasheed (9-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.

Veloce (IRE) 10-3 (8-10) Soon led, headed and ridden over 2f out, stayed challenging, stayed on under pressure to lead post, won at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar beating Hallstatt (8-11) by ns, 8 ran.

Kavaloti (IRE) 4-1 (9-12) Raced wide held up, ridden and hung right over 2f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 15l behind Frederick William (9-4) at Kempton 2m hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Mar.

Thunderonthemount 66-1 (9-9) Prominent, took keen hold, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 10, 37l behind Splendid Light (9-13) at Kempton 1m 3f mdn stks (5) pol in Mar.