Verdict

Dodging Bullets was fourth in the Triumph Hurdle, ahead of the useful Baby Mix, before finishing sixth at Aintree and must be the best four-year-old maiden hurdler in training. He'll almost certainly start favourite for this but we were really taken with HI NOTE's performance in a handicap at Stratford last month. She won by 25 lengths without coming off the bridle and could take advantage of her fillies' allowance again here. Captain Sharpe won over C&D in April and had a pipe-opener on the Polytrack earlier this month but he may find this company too hot and Shark Hanlon's Thegondolier is likely to be going back over fences again after this.

Formwatch

Baby Mix (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, challenged 2 out, ridden and every chance approaching last, weakened soon after, 9th of 20, 11l behind Countrywide Flame (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.

Captain Sharpe 10-1 (10-4) In touch in mid-division, closed 4th, led approaching last, 3 lengths up when not fluent at hurdle, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Apr beating Teshali (10-3) by 1 3/4l, 11 ran.

Dodging Bullets 4-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, badly hampered 5th, outpaced when switched inside after 4 out, never able to challenge, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 34l behind Grumeti (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Apr.

Thegondolier (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, 6th 5 out, ridden entering straight, no impression from 3 out, 4th of 18, 12l behind Protaras (11-11) at Gowran Park 2m 2f beg chs gd.

Hi Note 10-3 (10-9) Tracked leader, led 7th, clear after 2 out, easily, won at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Sep beating Hawkhill (11-7) by 25l, 9 ran.