Ernesto may not be suited by a drop back in distance. Baddesley got off the mark at Plumpton but this looks a bit more competitive. Northern Poet also won at the Sussex track last month following an extended absence but WAVERING DOWN has shown improved form since returning from a break and is still at the right end of the handicap so gets the nod, though Haas Boy looked a progressive sort in the spring along with Ballycamus.
Ernesto (GER) 40-1 (10-2) Soon off the pace in rear, never involved, 8th of 12, 32 3/4l behind Annual Invictus (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Haas Boy (FR) 3-1 (11-10) Chased leader, headway to press leader 2 out, every chance under pressure last, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Not What It Seems (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gs in Apr.
Crossing The Bar (IRE) 22-1 (11-10) Rear mid-division, mistake 4 out, pushed along before 3 out and well held, 13th of 16, dist behind Branson Missouri (10-9) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Charlie's Glance 16-5 (12-0) Close up, ridden before 2 out, no impression before last, weakened run-in, 5th of 9, 11 1/2l behind Operation Manna (11-11) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Betty's Banjo (IRE) 22-1 (11-13) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened after 8th, well behind when pulled up before 3 out, at Exeter 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Northern Poet (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Disputed lead, headed 2nd, chased leaders, pushed along to go second approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge and edged left flat, ran on to lead final 110yds, won at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov beating Tea And Chats (11-0) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Baddesley (IRE) 10-3 (11-9) Close up, led after 2nd, disputed lead after 8th, good jump to lead next, pushed along after 3 out, edged left then right when ridden after last, ran on, won at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Super Duper Sam (12-0) by 3l, 9 ran.
Ballycamus (IRE) 13-8fav (12-0) Chased winner, not fluent 4 out, every chance 3 out, lost 2nd and mistake 2 out, 3rd and no impression last, 3rd of 5, 7 3/4l behind Juniper (12-0) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in May.
Wavering Down (IRE) 3-1 (10-10) Led, ridden 3 out, held every chance 2 out, headed before last, kept on same pace towards finish, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Sayadam (12-0) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Deer Hunter (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along 5f out, weakened 4f out, last of 11, 31 1/4l behind Jumping Cats (11-5) at Lingfield 2m (5) pol in Jan.
