Verdict

After Aspen scored at Lingfield recently and will need to improve further raised 6lb and the same comment applies to Shanroe In Milan, upped 7lb for winning at Doncaster last time. But PRIVATE MALONE (NAP) can race off the same mark as when runner-up over fences at Taunton last month and given he’s won all three previous outings over timber, Emma Lavelle’s charge gets the nod. Hey Bill won at Ludlow earlier and is not out of this as he was still in contention when brought down at Taunton on his latest start.

Formwatch

Greybougg 12-1 (11-9) Led, blundered 5th, headed 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 5th of 8, 19l behind Plus Jamais (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Feb.

Shanroe In Milan (IRE) 9-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders, challenged after 3 out, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Bako De La Saulaie (11-11) by 1/2l, 11 ran.

Private Malone (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Chased leaders on outside, led approaching 3 out, headed before last, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Cloudy Bob (11-0) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Feb.

After Aspen (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Held up in last pair, headway on outside chasing leaders before 3 out, challenged 2 out, led narrowly last, driven out, won at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Feb beating Allthegear No Idea (11-5) by 2l, 9 ran.

Hey Bill (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Led until 2nd, tracked leaders, slow 4th and 11th, ridden before 12th, well in touch when short of room and brought down on bend before 3 out, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Feb.

Kingston (GER) 33-1 (12-2) Chasing leaders when blundered 1st, towards rear and never travelled after, behind and struggling 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 7th, at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.