The ground is forecast to ease and that won’t suit Theatrebar, who has not managed a win here in five attempts. The top weight was out-battled by the much younger SIROBBIE (NAP) over track and trip last month and will struggle to reverse those placings, despite 3lb better terms. Harry Whittington’s improving stayer can also get the better of Master Dancer, who is better over shorter, and Sizing At Midnight. The remaining trio are all returning from a break of sorts and best watched.
Theatrebar 5-1 (11-12) Always prominent, went 2nd 7th, slight lead 3 out, ridden and headed last, not quicken, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Sirobbie (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Master Dancer 8-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, driven and outpaced before 2 out, never able to challenge, weakened between last 2, 8th of 9, 18 1/4l behind Brave Helios (10-0) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Hurricane Dylan (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Made most until 4th, chased leaders, weakened and eased before 4 out, blundered 3 out, pulled up before next, at Newbury 2m 7f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Sizing At Midnight (IRE) 3-1fav (11-1) Chased leaders, not fluent normal 5 out, driven before omitted 2 out, soon well held, 7th of 9, 13 1/4l behind Follow The Bear (11-9) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Sirobbie (IRE) 5-2fav (10-5) Led, led, hit 3 out and narrowly headed, switched right after 2 out, slight lead last, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (2) gd in Jun beating Theatrebar (11-12) by 2l, 7 ran.
Alfie's Choice (IRE) 4-5fav (10-12) Tracked winner, not fluent 2nd, mistake next, mistake and lost place 3 out, readily outpaced by front pair between last 2, no chance in clear 3rd before last, 3rd of 5, 19l behind Notwhatiam (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f (4) gd in May.
He's A Goer (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) Held up in 4th, close 3rd at 8th, 2nd next, led 3 out, soon clear, joined 2 out, headed between last 2, weakened into 3rd final 110 yards, 3rd of 4, 3 3/4l behind It's Got Legs (11-6) at Plumpton 2m 5f (3) gd in Apr.
