Verdict

THE BEAR can follow up his recent successes at the expense of Highland Warrior and Top Bid. The gelding is bidding for his third victory on the spin and made all to land a similar contest at the course on Monday. Andrew Heffernan's 7lb claim negates the penalty and if he shows no ill effects, he should be able to follow up. Highland Warrior is proven on the ground. He did not show a great deal last time out at Nottingham though is starting to drop down the weights. Top Bid also flopped at Colwick Park on his most recent start. There was plenty of money around for him on that day so the market needs to be watched again here. Andrasta appears able to cope with any surface and wins in her turn. Lucky Buddha is held in some regard by her trainer though his confidence has yet to be turned into anything tangible in the wins column. Chosen One has yet to convince as to whether he has trained on. The Bear appears in good heart and is a confident selection to continue his winning run.

Formwatch

Highland Warrior 16-1 (9-10) Always in rear, 12th of 13, 5l behind Guto (8-8) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.

The Bear 9-2 (9-4) Made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on, won at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) hvy beating Sunley Sovereign (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.

Top Bid 3-1fav (8-11) Flyjumped start, slowly away, raced towards centre in rear, headway and switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 10, 7l behind Jilly Why (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Jul.

Chosen One (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Close up, ridden and hampered over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 12, 10l behind Redwater River (8-1) at Catterick 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.

Silk Gallery (USA) 4-1 (9-1) With leaders, ridden and every chance from 2f out, driven to lead briefly inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Helieorbea (9-3) at Hamilton 6f mdn stks (5) sft.

Andrasta 12-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, ridden, headway entering final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 12, 7l behind The Bear (9-4) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) hvy.

Lucky Buddha 10-1 (8-13) Held up and keen, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 6l behind It's A Mans World (8-8) at Carlisle 6f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gd.

Miacarla 33-1 (7-13) Chased winner until over 1f out, ridden, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 8l behind The Bear (9-4) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) hvy.