Verdict

It really doesn't get much worse than this as contests go and we offer That Man Fox up against Venir Rouge and Orange Zeus. That Man Fox ran a fair second to Proper having cut out the majority of the running on the day. While it is simplistic to say he merely needs to reproduce that form to win here, it is symbolic of the lack of strength in depth that abounds. Venir Rouge was rated in the mid-70s on the flat. He should be fit enough having raced in the Ladies Derby but softening ground may be against him on balance. Orange Zeus was pulled up at 100/1 last time out. Normally this would not be on the radar of any punter but the fact that David Pipe trains most definitely is. Nanosecond has shown little on two National Hunt starts thus far. Cadwell doesn't look as if he gets the trip. Overdante raced keenly at Stratford last time out but this is a shorter trip and there is a danger that she may be overlooked in the market as she has a lady amateur aboard. Flagstone was able to cope with soft ground on the level so rain won't worry and Warren Marston's booking appears interesting. A poor race to open the card and That Man Fox is put forward.

Formwatch

Cadwell 28-1 (10-6) Mid-division, headway approaching 5th, weakening when mistake 2 out, 7th of 13, 32l behind Sky Calling (10-7) at Southwell 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Aug.

Castleroche (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Behind, ridden 4 out, never on terms, 7th of 12, 32l behind Andrew Nick (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.

Diktatorship (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) In touch, challenged 3 out, kept on and every chance, ridden and no extra flat, 2nd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Jomelamin (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl (5) gd in May.

Flagstone (USA) 40-1 (10-11) Held up, never near leaders, 7th of 14, 25l behind Mizen Raven (11-5) at Southwell 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Aug.

Nanosecond (USA) 14-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 5th, chased clear leaders 3 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 8, 26l behind Basalt (10-12) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Jul.

Orange Zeus 100-1 (10-12) Led, hit 4th, headed after 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up 2 out in race won by Zanir (10-12) at Kempton 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 8 ran.

Singlet 12-1 (10-7) Pulled hard, in rear, mistake 3rd, lost touch after next, jumped very slowly 5th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Sky Calling (10-7) at Southwell 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Aug, 13 ran.

Spy Gun (USA) 40-1 (10-4) Took keen hold tracking leader, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 9, 39l behind Thenameescapesme (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nov clm hdl (5) gs in Dec '06.

That Man Fox 10-3 (10-7) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on flat, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Proper (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Aug.

Venir Rouge 18-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, not reach leaders, 7th of 16, 4l behind Aypeeyes (10-9) at Newbury 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (4) gs in Aug (Flat).

Overdante 33-1 (10-3) Pulled hard towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 4th of 11, 9l behind Cresswell Ruby (10-3) at Stratford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Aug.

Pretty Posey 40-1 (8-7) Very slowly away, always behind, last of 12, 31l behind Hester Brook (8-12) at Bath 1m 2f sll (6) frm in Jul (Flat).