Verdict
The combination of hold-up tactics, a drop to the minimum trip and the unique demands of Brighton has had a rejuvenating effect on Stonecrabstomorrow and the eight-year-old will be popular in this hat-trick attempt. However, he will need things to drop his way and has plenty to do from a handicapping perspective to confirm placings with Welsh Inlet. This is also a more competitive race than his last two contests and KINIGI, also a course and distance winner, is taken to prove too strong despite being asked to concede weight all round. He's a pacey sort and recent efforts have indicated a return to the minimum trip will prove beneficial. Billy Red, yet another course and distance winner, cannot be ruled out either.
Formwatch
Kinigi (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, headway 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 5l behind Gracie's Games (8-11) at Chepstow 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Billy Red 11-1 (9-4) Led, hard ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra, 5th of 10, 6l behind Barons Spy (10-0) at Bath 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Stonecrabstomorrow (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) In touch in rear, outpaced over 2f out, headway between horses entering final furlong, ridden to lead near finish, won at Brighton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Whiskey Junction (9-8) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Welsh Inlet (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Overall leader, came stands side over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Stonecrabstomorrow (8-9) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Schoolboy Champ 8-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 5th of 13, 4l behind Senate Majority (9-0) at Haydock 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Do More Business (IRE) 3-1 (9-5) Held up in touch, came stand side over 3f out, ridden and switched left over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with far side winner, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Athaakeel (9-5) at Brighton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs.
Gothic Chick 3-1fav (8-13) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, never on terms, 9th of 11, 16l behind Chester Deelyte (8-7) at Leicester 5f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
