Verdict

Fair Spin is in the veteran stage now but loves it when the mud is flying and will have needed his C&D run last month. He could prove a better bet than fellow old-timers Mini Beck and Easter Vic. Papamoa ran his best race so far when second at Hexham last time, while Laureate Des Loges has the form to figure if fully wound-up. ARMEDANDDANGEROUS has much more scope, however, as he was having only his third start when scrambling home over C&D on soft ground in March. Despite his recent inactivity, Tom Gretton's gelding should prove hard to beat.

Formwatch

Ruff Diamond (USA) 100-1 (11-5) In touch on outside, mistake and weakened 5th, plugged on from 2 out, went modest 5th flat, 5th of 12, 20l behind High Ransom (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Nov.

Armedanddangerous (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, steady headway 4 out, ridden in 6th before 3 out, hampered 2 out, stayed on to lead last 75 yards, all out, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Silent Snow (10-13) by hd, 12 ran.

Mini Beck 100-1 (11-3) In rear, weakened from 7th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Gordonsville (11-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd, 12 ran.

Papamoa 5-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, lost place before 6th and in rear, headway before 2 out, chased winner before last, kept on run-in, 2nd of 11, 1 3/4l behind Dusky Bob (11-6) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.

Laureate des Loges (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway when mistake 3 out, never nearer, 5th of 12, 10l behind With Grace (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (0-105) (4) gf in Jul.

Easter Vic 20-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, mid-division and pushed along 4th, weakened from 4 out, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Bunglasha Lady (11-4) at Ayr 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gd in Apr.

Fair Spin 7-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, every chance 3 out, weakened quickly next, well beaten when blundered badly last, 13th of 16, well behind Crackerjac Boy (9-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f 4yo Am hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Nov.

Man Of Principles (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leader on inner, pushed along before 4th, soon lost place, mistake and in rear from 5th, soon tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Granwood (10-8) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs.