Verdict

David Marnane complicates matters with three entries though Fergal Lynch is the regular pilot of Almadaa who could prove best of the trio. He's looking a couple of pounds high at present however though he holds Copper Dock on their latest run behind Farmleigh House though not Knock Stars, who was just in front. The latter has a fine chance of going one better but Rigid Rock is held by Copper Dock and looks high enough in the ratings. THATS A FRET has only won once from 17 starts on the all-weather but has dropped to a fair mark nowadays and is handed the vote in a tricky opener.

Formwatch

Otto The Great 16-1 (8-11) Led, headed over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 14, 6l behind Born To Surprise (9-2) at Doncaster 7f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Sep.

Harry Trotter (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Mid-division, 7th halfway, ridden 2f out, no extra over 1f out, kept on one pace, 8th of 12, 6l behind Timeless Call (9-9) at Dundalk 5f hcp pol in Sep.

Almadaa 9-2 (9-0) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden in 3rd entering straight, kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Farmleigh House (9-10) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Dec.

Copper Dock (IRE) 9-2 (8-12) Chased leaders in 4th, ridden entering straight, no extra from 2f out, 4th of 5, 7l behind Farmleigh House (9-10) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Dec.

Greek Canyon (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Led, ridden from 2f out, soon strongly pressed, headed under 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 3l behind Core Element (9-1) at Dundalk 7f hcap pol.

Knock Stars (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Attempted to make all, ridden and strongly pressed 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Farmleigh House (9-10) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Dec.

Rigid Rock (IRE) 13-2 (10-0) Chased leaders, closed and challenged 1 1/2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well to hold on at the finish, won at Dundalk 6f hcp 47-65 pol in Nov beating Till Dawn (8-10) by nk, 14 ran.

Ocean Drift (USA) 11-2 (10-2) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 11th of 14, 8l behind Bangalore Diamond (9-2) at Dundalk 6f hcp 47-65 pol in Dec.

Thats A Fret (IRE) 7-1 (10-0) Prominent, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, no extra, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Richelieu (8-10) at Dundalk 6f hcp 47-65 pol.