The Rocking Dock, a gutsy winner at Aintree last month can land this off a 7lb higher mark. Donald McCain's charge has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and only returned to the track at the end of April, an outing that evidently left him spot on for his next outing at Aintree, where he was committed a long way from home in a strongly run contest. Storm Prospect has improved for being campaigned on quick ground and should not be far away. Blinkers are re-applied today and the likely fast pace should suit this hold-up performer. Mr Midaz drops back four furlongs today after scoring over 2 1/2 miles last time. The concern is that he could be taken off his feet as his best form over the minimum trip is in testing conditions. Harcas is an interesting contender but makes his first outing since October 2007 here. A former smart handicapper for Michael Halford, he should be capable of picking up a handicap in the coming months if retaining any of his old ability. The Rocking Dock is our pick to land this handicap hurdle.
The Rocking Dock (IRE) 20-1 (9-13) Tracked leader, led 6th, ridden 2 out, edged left and held on well flat, won at Aintree 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May beating Soubriquet (10-9) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Harcas (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 11th of 16, well behind Frankie Figg (11-5) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Storm Prospect 4-1 (11-7) Held up, steady headway 2 out, ridden to lead flat, edged left, stayed on towards finish, won at Hexham 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf beating Inch High (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Kristiansand 8-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led 3rd, headed after 4 out, stayed on to lead again last, headed flat, no extra towards finish, 5th of 11, 3l behind Scutch Mill (11-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in May.
Mr Midaz 3-1fav (11-2) Held up, good headway approaching 3 out, upsides 2 out, led approaching last, held on well towards finish, won at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in May beating Lawaaheb (11-8) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Prince Adjal (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Led to 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 36l behind Paddy The Piper (11-12) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Mar.
Macchiato 7-1 (11-2) Led to 3rd, with leader, led again 6th, headed 3 out, left in lead next, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened flat, 5th of 10, 12l behind Weet Yer Tern (10-12) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Lindseyfield Lodge (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Pulled hard, held up, saddle slipped 2nd, lost place after 4 out, no danger after, last of 7, 50l behind Cast Iron Casey (11-7) at Kelso 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in May.
