Little Rocker gets the narrow preference over All Things Equal and Master Albert. The selection was a fair third behind Classic Fiddle last time but this step-up in trip will play to his strengths and as we know he will handle the ground he looks the one to beat. All Things Equal won well last time but Heather Dalton's 8-year-old is best on a faster surface and for that reason he may just be worth opposing at the forecast odds. Master Albert was very disappointing last time but his yard are in flying form at present so it could be dangerous to dismiss his chance too readily. Dalaram looks the best of the rest, but Little Rocker is from a yard in sparkling form and he can add another win to the tally today.
Dalaram (IRE) 80-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, never in contention, 7th of 13, 38l behind Ashley Brook (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) hvy in Jan.
Foly Pleasant (FR) 8-1 (12-0) Never going well, always behind, 15th of 24, 20l behind Whyso Mayo (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gd in Mar.
Master Albert (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Reminders soon after 1st, headway 6th, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 39l behind Cannon Fire (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
All Things Equal (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, headway 3 out, led on bit before next, comfortably, won at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr beating Troll (11-3) by 10l, 15 ran.
Mixsterthetrixster (USA) 40-1 (11-2) Held up rear, never a danger, 9th of 11, well behind Dark Corner (10-3) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan.
Kilgowan (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Ever Special (9-7) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Little Rocker (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway after 5th, not fluent last, no extra, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Classic Fiddle (10-13) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Fabrezan (FR) 20-1 (11-8) With leader, led 7th, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened, 11th of 15, 33l behind My Lady Link (10-13) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gd in Jun '05.
