Verdict

If wind surgery has produced the desired effect, Espoir De Romay wouldn’t be far away in a race like this on his best form. Martha Brae was very consistent last season but only won once and soft going could be an issue. Conkwell Legend is still relatively unexposed and Hillview has won around here in the past but Rock Of Star hasn’t run over hurdles since March of last year. BALLYDISCO was in good form in the spring and will relish today’s conditions with Ben Sutton’s claim another plus.

Formwatch

Espoir De Romay (FR) 10-1 (11-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 6th, slow 9th, effort 3 out, 3rd before last, no impression, kept on, 3rd of 9, 5 1/2l behind Twig (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (2) gd in May.

Hillview (IRE) 11-1 (12-0) Always behind, tailed off 2 out, 9th of 11, dist behind Aramax (11-7) at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (2) gd in May.

Conkwell Legend 8-1 (11-13) Mid-division, went 3rd home turn, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and chased leader approaching last, hit final flight, stayed on, closing at finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Kepagge (11-3) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Apr.

Martha Brae 12-1 (10-12) Mid-division out wide, headway chasing leaders after 3 out, stayed on run-in, went 2nd final strides, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Regarding Ruth (10-11) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Apr.

Ballydisco (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, steady headway chasing leaders before 2 out, went 2nd 2 out, led before the last, stayed on well run-in, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) gs in Apr beating Ballymagroarty Boy (12-1) by 2 1/2l, 14 ran.

Rock Of Star (FR) 6-4fav (10-13) Towards rear, going best when shaken up to lead after 3 out, edged left when pushed along approaching last, went clear flat, readily, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) sft in Apr beating Party Fuzz (11-9) by 5l, 7 ran.