Verdict
Quito Du Tresor disappointed when pulled-up over a longer trip here last time, but had scored at Ascot before that and has claims on that form. Santa's Son can be given a chance on October's third at Aintree though today's shorter distance doesn't look ideal and Woody Waller makes more appeal. A runner-up on both starts this season, he beat Signalman over 2m at Hexham last March and that running has him closely matched with LIGHTENING ROD, who beat the same rival later in the year. However, the latter's second at Doncaster in December to subsequent Grade 2 winner Sprinter Sacre has worked out well and Mick Easterby's charge gets the vote to go one better.
Formwatch
Quito Du Tresor (FR) 15-2 (11-8) Tracked leading pair, outpaced 4 out, lost place when blundered next, soon pulled up, in a race won by Fiendish Flame (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gd in Jan, 11 ran.
Santa's Son (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led 2nd, headed 8th, 6th when fell 11th, in a race won by Tamarinbleu (11-12) at Haydock 2m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec, 7 ran.
Lightening Rod 2-1fav (11-0) Towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by Shadrack (10-9) at Catterick 2m Novice Handicap Chase (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft in Dec, 6 ran.
De Boitron (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 8th of 10, 27l behind Quicuyo (11-0) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs (2) gs in Jan.
Sports Line (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) In rear, outpaced 3 out, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 26l behind Lucaindubai (11-4) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jan.
Woody Waller 9-2fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 4 out until 3 out, went 2nd again 2 out, soon edged right, stayed on flat, no impression, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Storm Surge (9-7) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec.
Wind Shuffle (GER) 33-1 (11-4) Carried left and led 1st, not that fluent after, headed 4th, weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up after 3 out, in a race won by Viva Colonia (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f Listed hcp hdl (1) gs in Jul, 16 ran.
Carrietau 33-1 (11-4) Led narrowly to after 4th, chased leader, lost place 7th, weakened before 3 out, 8th of 10, 37l behind Altan Khan (11-7) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Jan.
Kosta Brava (FR) 12-1 (11-5) In rear, headway 5 out, kept on to chase leading pair from 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Everaard (10-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jan.
