Course specialist Venetian Lad looked as though he was running into form when second over a longer trip here last month, though the winner has been beaten since. Vic De Touzaine had every chance when unseating Aidan Coleman in a better race at Wincanton last week but he's become expensive to follow. Like Sully went very close at Plumpton last time but has been raised 3lb for that effort. Daliance has been in good form over hurdles lately and has won over fences, though has a Flat pedigree. NATIVE ROBIN could be the value as the second has franked the form of his surprise Doncaster victory and there might be more to come now he's got his head in front.
Vic De Touzaine (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 11th, went second after 3 out, challenging when blundered and unseated rider 2 out, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Daliance (IRE) 5-2fav (11-11) Chased leaders, closed from 2nd, ridden and outpaced after 8th, rallied after 2 out, led last, held on, won at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Feb beating Lee Side Lady (10-13) by hd, 7 ran.
Native Robin (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) With leader, led 2 out, kept on well from last, won at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating The Mumper (11-9) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Venetian Lad 12-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, outpaced 11th, stayed on after 2nd last, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 8, 15l behind Thinger Licht (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Feb.
Like Sully (IRE) 9-4fav (11-9) In touch, headway to lead 3rd, headed next, led again 8th, strongly challenged after 3 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Very Live (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
