Night Edition possibly exceeded expectations when second in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month but that is easily the best form on offer. However, it will be a surprise if debutant MIND THE CRACK doesn’t give him a run his money as Harry Fry’s charge won twice on the Flat for Mark Johnson last year and ended up with a rating of 92. Blame It On Sally was a stayer on the level and is another interesting recruit but Go On Brycey Lad may need today experience. The filly Gilka may need to improve on her never-nearer third at Ludlow.
Abwab (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Always behind, 9th of 10, dist behind Hasankey (11-0) at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Blame It On Sally (IRE) 7-4 (9-0) Led, shaken up briefly halfway, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner inside final furlong, just held on for 2nd near finish, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Anyonecanhaveitall (9-0) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) pol in Sep.
Go On Brycey Lad (FR) Saddler Maker gelding out of Lonita D'airy.
Mind The Crack (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders in 5th, pushed along over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 5th of 13, 7l behind Sir Ron Priestley (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 4f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Night Edition (FR) 22-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden to lead last, edged left and headed flat, edged right and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Galahad Quest (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Jan.
Royal Dancer 50-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, closer in mid-division after 5th, pushed along after 3 out, keeping on same pace when left 4th 2 out, 4th of 9, 19 3/4l behind Cap Du Mathan (11-4) at Plumpton 2m mdn (4) hvy in Jan.
Rusper's Gift (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, not fluent 1st, weakened before 5th, 9th of 13, dist behind West Cork (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m (4) sft in Jan.
Gilka (FR) 7-2 (10-10) In touch on inside, tracked clear leader (winner) after 3rd, blundered next, driven before 3 out, ridden after last, kept on but never getting to winner flat, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 8, 4 1/4l behind Bolt N Brown (10-10) at Ludlow 2m fll (4) gs in Feb.