Verdict

Tevez has shown signs of a return to form of late and isn't out of this, while Tornado Force should also figure, although his recent wins have come over longer trips. Archie Rice had been in terrific form before last Saturday when the tough and consistent Emma's Gift showed the boys the way home in a snow blizzard. She'll go close again but preference is for SONORAN SANDS, whose form on turf last summer is the best on offer. A run over hurdles four weeks ago should have blown away any cobwebs.

Formwatch

Sonoran Sands (IRE) 22-1 (8-13) Tracked leader, led briefly over 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 8th of 15, 5l behind Dare To Dance (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Aug.

Emma's Gift (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Chased leader 2f, remained handy, headway 2f out, effort to lead over 1f out, stayed on well, driven out, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Veroon (9-2) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.

Tevez 12-1 (9-7) Dwelt in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, keeping on when not much room near finish, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Forceful Appeal (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.

Tornado Force (IRE) 4-9fav (9-11) Held up in touch, challenged 2f out, led narrowly well over 1f out, headed last 100 yards, just held close home, 2nd of 6, ns behind Shieldmaiden (9-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.

Smokey Oakey (IRE) 40-1 (8-9) Raced wide always in rear, very wide into straight 2f out, last of 10, 13l behind Amitola (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol.

Tartan Trip 9-1 (8-13) Held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon one pace, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Maverik (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.

Archie Rice (USA) 11-4fav (9-3) Headway to chase leader over 7f out, led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 9l behind Emma's Gift (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.