Verdict

This is a trappy claimer and OBE ROYAL is given the narrow vote over Ravi River and Jake The Snake. The selection could not be in better form and he is chasing his third win on the bounce here today. He's eased in grade after winning a handicap last time out and with the yard in good form he looks to hold rock solid claims. Ravi River looks the obvious alternative as he won well last time at Wolverhampton when he beat Guildenstern. He remains relatively unexposed and he is another that is eased in grade today. Jake The Snake was a little disappointing at Lingfield on Sunday, but the return to this trip and venue should see him a better light and it would not be a surprise to see him bounce back to form. Kevin Ryan's Yes One would have claims on the pick of his form but he has been a bit disappointing of late and we will stick with Obe Royal as the pick.

Formwatch

Ravi River (IRE) 9-4fav (9-3) Always prominent, raced keenly, led just inside final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol beating Guildenstern (8-8) by 1l, 8 ran.

Jake The Snake (IRE) 5-2 (8-12) Slowly into stride, keen, held up in rear but close up, ridden over 2f out, not much room from 2f out, stayed on, never able to challenge, 3rd of 4, 3/4l behind Electric Warrior (8-13) at Lingfield 1m clm (6) pol.

Yes One (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden and beaten over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 7, 9l behind Dichoh (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (6) pol in Jan.

Sam's Cross (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 5l behind Tous Les Deux (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.

Obe Royal 11-2 (8-10) Held up, headway over 2f out, ran on final furlong to lead close home, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs beating Tyzack (9-1) by a shd, 8 ran.