A big run from Kilpin in the opener could advertise the claims of the hat-trick seeking Volcano, who has plenty of chasing experience. Venetia Williams is capable of getting one ready at home and she has a her team in good form so the returning Brianstorm, who has wind surgery, is worth a market check. Sheshoon Sonny looks a chasing type but ROSMUC RELAY’s stamina reserves had emptied when he unseated his rider at Uttoxeter so he will likely be suited but this drop in distance.
Le Milos 66-1 (10-7) Mid-division on inside, weakened 3 out, 10th of 15, 34 1/4l behind Nordano (10-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Feb.
Rosmuc Relay (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Led, jumped right 16th and headed, pushed along before next, weakened and pulled up before 3 out, at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Brianstorm (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Always in 4th, beaten after 3 out, last of 4, 13 1/2l behind Bordeaux Bill (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Volcano (FR) 10-3fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, slow and bumped 1st, left 2nd 13th, led after 3 out, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Warwick 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Kilpin (11-12) by 3l, 11 ran.
Sheshoon Sonny (FR) 9-2fav (10-13) Chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, weakened quickly, 11th of 16, 29l behind Calva D'Auge (12-0) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Tip Top Cat (IRE) 80-1 (11-2) Held up, not fluent 2nd, headway 6th, not fluent 2 out (normal 3 out), outpaced last bend, plugged on from last (normal 2 out), went 3rd close home, 3rd of 7, 12 1/4l behind Lieutenant Rocco (11-8) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) hvy in Feb.
Generation Gap (IRE) 10-3jfav (12-4) Chased leaders, mistake and lost place 1st, mistake 3rd, hampered 5th, closed next, not fluent 10th, jumped right 12th, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 11, dist behind Premiumaccess (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Festival Dawn 12-1 (11-9) Led after 1st, headed next, led 7th, headed 4 out, weakened before 3 out, 9th of 12, dist behind Airgead Suas (11-8) at Exeter 2m 6f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
