Another tricky contest for punters to fathom and a tentative selection is Piran, with Before Dark, Present Glory and Notaproblem all expected to be involved in some capacity. The Evan Williams trained four-year-old is in top form at present and gave out a two length beating to Ingres at Ludlow last time. That was over three miles so the extra two furlongs is a slight concern, but in his present mood he is hard to ignore. Before Dark has no stamina problems having beaten Seeador over this trip at Hereford in January. The handicapper hasn't been too harsh and a big rubn can be expected. Present Glory unseated his rider in the race won by Knighton Lad over course and distance last time after trying to run out. He appeared held at the time but in this weaker event if he keeps his mind on the job in hand he should be in the shake up. Notaproblem looks the pick of the others on his two runs at Newcastle in January, however if Piran can stay the extra yardage he could collect first prize.
Supreme Piper (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Made most, hit 2nd, headed approaching 7th, stayed pressing leader, led 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, soon no chance with winner, driven and hit last, 2nd of 11, 8l behind Wee Anthony (10-5) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in.
Before Dark (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) In touch, headway 9th, every chance 2 out, one pace before last, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Alfasonic (11-4) at Fontwell 3m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Present Glory (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) Led, ridden 4 out, tried to run out and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Knighton Lad (11-5) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Feb, 13 ran.
Lyes Green 9-2 (11-4) Held up, headway5th, weakened 4 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Alfasonic (10-12) at Towcester 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 15 ran.
Piran (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, headway after 9th, led after 3 out, driven out, won at Ludlow 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jan beating Ingres (10-12) by 2l, 18 ran.
Notaproblem (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up mid-division, effort 4 out, no impression after, 6th of 15, 32l behind Fair Question (11-1) at Ayr 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Heron's Ghyll (IRE) 11-2 (10-8) Prominent, slightly outpaced 8th, effort 3 out, soon no impression, 4th of 10, 18l behind Golden Bay (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Jan.
Coralbrook 18-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden 6th, led approaching 3 out, clear next, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Feb beating Gold Flo (10-13) by 2l, 10 ran.
