Verdict

Denis O'Regan has travelled north to partner a couple here for John Ferguson and should be able to ease AALIM to a second cosy win, even though the second has since let down the form of his Catterick success. Tough Trade sprang a big surprise over course and distance last month and can make the frame again, despite his penalty, while Love Marmalade will have learned plenty from his fourth at Musselburgh. Spitz has more scope than Shanen and looks the pick of the remainder.

Formwatch

Tough Trade 80-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden and hit 2 out, led approaching last, ran on, won at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating King Of Strings (10-12) by 3l, 14 ran.

Bellorophon (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) In rear, jumped left throughout, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 32l behind Rockabilly Riot (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) sft.

Cockney Lacey 50-1 (10-5) Always behind, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 48l behind Milo Man (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.

Dibdabs (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Held up in 5th, in touch on outside when fell 4th, in a race won by Goohar (10-9) at Haydock 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft in Dec, 8 ran.

King Vahe (IRE) 66-1 (7-9) Lost place after 1f, soon behind, outpaced 3f out, weakened and eased over 1f out, last of 10, 22l behind Alpha Tauri (8-0) at Southwell 6f clm stks (6) fbs in Dec (flat).

Marlee Mourinho (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, lost place 5 out, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Rinnagree Rosie (10-7) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) hvy.

Shanen (IRE) 7-4 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway before 5 out, went 3rd before 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 29l behind Kilgefin Star (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.

Spitz (FR) 11-2 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden in 3rd before last, one pace, 3rd of 10, 14l behind Plan Again (11-0) at Kelso 2m NH mdn hdl (5) gs in Oct.

Aalim 11-8fav (10-7) In touch, smooth headway after 3 out, every chance next, led on bit at last, ran on well, easily, won at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Dark Dune (11-6) by 6l, 9 ran.

Great Demeanor (USA) 22-1 (9-3) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened and behind, eased inside final furlong, last of 6, 45l behind Derwent (9-7) at Doncaster 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May (flat).

Love Marmalade (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Held up in rear and keen, effort before 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 23l behind Rutherglen (11-8) at Musselburgh 2m 4yo hdl (3) sft.