Verdict

A disappointing turnout for this contest where Sinatas is the sole contender with an issued rating of 120 and should prove too good for his rivals where Battle Stations appears the danger. Peter Monteiths' contender was set a stiff task on his most recent outing when well beaten in a competitive handicap hurdle but put in a taking display earlier this month at Carlisle when front running tactics allowed him to show his true colours. Battle Stations has displayed some ability, however the worth of the form from his last outing at Hexham has been damaged as the second was well beaten recently off 87.On a line through Blackpool Billy, there is not much to choose between Battle Stations and Castlestown Boy, who would have a squeak on the best of his bumper form. Sinatas gets the nomination to land this novice hurdle.

Formwatch

Sinatas (GER) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway and effort 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 15, 20l behind De Blanc (11-3) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs.

Battle Stations 11-4 (11-1) Always prominent, every chance 2 out, one pace last, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Blackpool Billy (11-7) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.

Castletown Boy (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Behind from halfway, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Currahee (10-4) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar, 12 ran.

Prosecco (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon one pace, 5th of 16, 21l behind Cash Man (11-2) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.

Janal (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Behind, effort after 4 out, no impression, 7th of 16, 34l behind Cash Man (11-2) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.

Moneylaws (IRE) 200-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, well behind Supreme Builder (11-1) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy.