Verdict
A tricky contest as Avon River is well clear on official figures, but cannot be trusted to run up to his rating. He was 10lb well-in with the winner Miami Gator on his penultimate start, but could only manage third-place and could be worth taking on with ROYAL OPERA. The latter may prove difficult to pass if allowed an easy lead and makes more appeal than Yellow Printer, whose only win was back in 2008, while the newcomer Midnight Tiger is hard to fancy making his belated debut at this level.
Formwatch
Avon River 4-1 (9-8) Switched to race alone on stands rail and with leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, last of 10, 31l behind Woodcote Place (9-12) at Newbury 7f clm stks (5) gd.
Midnight Tiger Advise gelding out of Midnight Pebbles.
Royal Opera 8-1 (9-4) Soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, chased winner, no impression over 1f out, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Sciampin (8-11) at Salisbury 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Yellow Printer 20-1 (9-10) Led until over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 26l behind Whodathought (9-10) at Salisbury 1m ladies hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
