Verdict
Reyes Magos is the only one to have placed under Rules but will probably need to improve again to fend off some interesting opponents. AP McCoy and Rebecca Curtis have become a formidable combination in these contests but High Storm will need to show more than his mid-division finish on debut at Worcester last month. He is likely to improve though but Nicky Henderson has a supreme record in these events and FLAME OF DESIRE is taken to make a winning start. The Milan filly receives all the allowances not to mention the claim of the talented David Bass, with the market likely to reflect stable confidence.
Formwatch
Big Kev Golan gelding out of Solar Flare.
Kanturk (IRE) Wareed gelding out of Kanturk Belle.
Reyes Magos (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) In touch towards rear, headway 7f out, pressing leaders on outside from 4f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 7l behind Featherintheattic (11-4) at Ludlow 2m NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Sir Frog (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Led early, tracked leader until ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off, last of 6, 23l behind Wheres The Hare (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m nhf (6) gd in Apr.
Sir Johnson Deploy gelding out of Little Daphne.
High Storm (IRE) 7-2 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 10f out, ridden over 5f out, beaten over 1f out, 6th of 12, 18l behind Savant Bleu (10-11) at Worcester 2m cond NH flat (6) gd.
Joey's Pal 40-1 (10-11) Held up on outside, headway 10f out, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Savant Bleu (10-11) at Worcester 2m cond NH flat (6) gd.
Nemi (CZE) Look Honey gelding out of Non Pareille.
Dancing With Light 8-1 (11-7) (cp) ref 1, in a race won by Desert Joe (12-0) at Maisemore Park 2m 5f ptp gf in Apr, 11 ran.
Flying Snow 33-1 (10-6) Mid-division on outside, weakened 3f out, 11th of 12, well behind Barton Stacey (10-11) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gf.
Tuilan 8-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ran wide bend after 5f, weakened 4f out, 9th of 14, 46l behind Tricksofthetrade (11-3) at Catterick 2m NH flat (6) gs in Feb.
Flame of Desire Milan filly out of Queen's Banquet.
