Verdict

BALDER SUCCES is upped in grade but never looked in danger of defeat on his UK debut at Plumpton and is fancied to defy his penalty here. The danger may be Kapga De Cerisy, who ran well for a long way in a Grade 1 at Chepstow on his first start for Venetia Williams and should strip fitter here. Brilliant Barca was well behind when pulled up in that race and looks to have little chance of turning the tables while Cuban Piece finished tailed off when favourite for an ordinary contest at Catterick last time and may also struggle.

Formwatch

Balder Succes (FR) 4-9fav (11-0) Held up towards rear, slightly hampered 3rd, headway approaching 5th, not fluent 6th or 3 out, led 2 out, pushed cleat flat, readily, won at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy beating Jodawes (11-5) by 8l, 12 ran.

Kapga De Cerisy (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders, mistake 4 out, weakened after next, moderate 4th when mistake last, 4th of 9, 33l behind Hollow Tree (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3yo hdl Grd 1 (1) hvy in Dec.

Brilliant Barca 33-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, under pressure approaching 4 out, soon beaten, behind when pulled up before last, in a race won by Hollow Tree (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3yo hdl Grd 1 (1) hvy in Dec, 9 ran.

Cuban Piece (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Led to 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 11th of 12, well behind Chadford (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd in Nov.