Storm Prospect is preferred to Regal Heights with there being little to choose between Deedeetee and Frankie Figg. Along The Nile is worth a mention having made a perfect start to his new career but his form on the level raises serious concerns about his effectiveness on this surface so he's discarded. Regal Heights has solid claims and few negatives except the amount of weight that he has to give away to some unexposed rivals, that could prove to be his undoing. Deedeetee faces stronger opposition and a hike in the weights but he did win very easily at Catterick and could well have more in the locker. Frankie Figg would prefer further but the testing conditions will help and he has a promising future but the vote goes to Storm Prospect. He's at his best on heavy ground and looked to be on his way back when finishing fourth at Ayr last time. The way he stayed on having been outpaced over 2 miles suggests that this longer trip could be just what's needed and the first time cheekpieces could bring about further improvement. His light weight must also be in his favour given the conditions so Storm Prospect gets the vote.
Regal Heights (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden and headway after 4 out, led next, headed after last, one pace, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Naiad du Misselot (10-0) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Along The Nile 13-2 (11-0) Held up, smooth headway to go close up 3 out, kept on and every chance last, driven out to lead flat, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Dec beating Folk Tune (11-10) by 2l, 7 ran.
Frankie Figg (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led, ridden when fell 4 out in race won by Nevertika (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Dec, 7 ran.
Deedeetee (IRE) 11-4 (10-6) Made all, quickened approaching 2 out, clear approaching last, won at Catterick 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs beating Rapscallion (11-4) by 8l, 4 ran.
Storm Prospect 6-1 (11-6) Held up, outpaced 4 out, staying on same pace when blundered last, 4th of 13, 16l behind Inch High (10-10) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy.
Keen Warrior 8-1 (10-13) Towards rear, headway 6th, chased winner 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Mujamead (9-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Dec.
