Verdict

Although beaten five lengths over C&D in August, PUNCHING ran well enough in much better company than he faces here. Conrad Dore's charge looks to have a leading chance if producing his best after a lay-off and gets the nod. Apache Ridge has been in fair form on the Polytrack but Desert Strike has gone close on this surface before and he makes more appeal. Takajan would have every chance if taking part but was engaged to run here yesterday.

Formwatch

Takajan (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just held close home, 2nd of 12, ns behind Final Salute (8-8) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Nov.

Punching 20-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, struggling over 2f out, 9th of 10, 8l behind Dubai Media (9-8) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.

Apache Ridge (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, no impression and soon beaten, 5th of 9, 5l behind Ajara (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f sell stks (6) pol.

Desert Strike 12-1 (8-5) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, lost place over 2f out, switched outside and kept on under pressure from over 1f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 7l behind Cardinal (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.

Misaro (GER) 7-1 (9-2) Prominent, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon hung left, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 7l behind Hinton Admiral (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f clm stks (6) pol in Jul.

Baby Judge (IRE) 20-1 (8-3) Awkwards start, always struggling in rear, 11th of 12, 17l behind Darcy's Pride (8-9) at Southwell 6f app hcp 0-55 (6) fbs in Oct.

Dickie Le Davoir 20-1 (8-7) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never on terms, 6th of 9, 6l behind Ajara (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f sell stks (6) pol.

Tealing 22-1 (8-9) Tracked leader, lost place over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, last of 9, 18l behind Newbury Street (8-13) at Carlisle 6f 3yo clm (6) gf in May.