Verdict

Le Toreador has claims on his best form and has won off higher marks, while Yarmouth winner Victorian Bounty could also figure on his first start since September. Where's Reiley has a bit to find, however, having only won a seller at Lingfield earlier this month and SUGAR BEET is preferred. The latter has shown good progress this year winning three times over today's trip and, after a spin over 6f here last month, Ron Harrris' sprinter is taken to return to winning ways and confirm earlier form at Lingfield with Island Legend. Placed at Southwell recently, soft ground winner Captain Scooby makes his Polytrack debut and Earlsmedic has been in good form over 6f of late.

Formwatch

Le Toreador 5-2fav (9-0) Prominent on outer, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, challenged inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 8, nk behind Deerslayer (8-9) at Lingfield 5f clm stks (6) pol in Nov.

Victorian Bounty 10-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 12, 6l behind Fabreze (9-2) at Haydock 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep.

Sugar Beet 12-1 (9-7) Went left start, held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, no impression on leaders, 7th of 10, 1 3/4l behind Requisite (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.

Where's Reiley (USA) 5-1 (8-8) Led ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no chance with winner, weakened to 3rd final 75 yards, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Marajaa (8-13) at Kempton 7f clm stks (6) pol.

Best Trip (IRE) 33-1 (8-10) Led stand side, headed by stand side group over 1f out, soon weakened, 18th of 21, 13l behind Haajes (9-0) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep.

Island Legend (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Sleepy Blue Ocean (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.

Captain Scooby 20-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, not troubled leaders, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Sleepy Blue Ocean (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.

Bravo King (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Held up well in rear, never a factor, last of 8, 25l behind Ingleby Arch (8-9) at Southwell 7f clm stks (6) fbs.

Earlsmedic 15-2 (8-7) Mid-division, hampered over 4f out, headway over 2f out, ridden and hung left from over 1f out, challenged towards finish, held close home, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Summerinthecity (9-7) at Brighton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Oct.

Mandy's Hero 33-1 (9-4) Chased leaders towards far side, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 8l behind Six Wives (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.