Verdict

Plan Again won a Ballinaboola point-to-point by 15 lengths in November and has to be worth a second look on his first start under Rules considering his trainer's record with similar types in bumpers. However, SPITZ was so impressive when winning here in December that he should be given a chance to defy his penalty. Amisfield Lad is another course and distance winner but this is a step up in class while Ayr fourth Saffron Town may do better when stepped up in distance and Alan Swinbank's stable has had a quiet few months.

Formwatch

Spitz (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, kept on strongly, eased towards finish, won at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec beating Mister Nibbles (11-6) by 6l, 14 ran.

Another Mattie (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Tracked leader in 2nd, disputed from halfway and led approaching straight, driven along and headed over 2f out, no extra in 5th from over 1f out, 5th of 8, 12l behind Thunder And Roses (11-10) at Naas 2m 3f N H flat sft in Oct.

Plan Again (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Tr ldrs, 4th 1/2way, went 2nd after 2out, ld next, sprinted clr on run-in, won at Ballinaboola 3m ire ptp gs in Nov beating Steel Away J (12-0) by 15l, 11 ran.

Proud Jack Generous gelding out of Miss Royello.

Amisfield Lad 7-1 (10-8) Held up behind, headway over 4f out, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn nat hunt flat (6) gs in Dec beating Teo Vivo (11-6) by 3/4l, 12 ran.

Black Velvet Belle (IRE) 66-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, struggling halfway, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 47l behind Baltimoar (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Oct.

Aiaam Al Namoos 33-1 (10-0) Held up mid-division, headway to track leaders halfway, one pace and no impression, 5th of 13, 8l behind Alphabetical Order (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) sft in Jan.

Blueberry Hill (IRE) Tiger Hill gelding out of Celinde.

Saffron Town (IRE) 9-4fav (10-7) Mid-division, headway on outside 8f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, 4th of 8, 13l behind Fine Rightly (11-2) at Ayr 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Jan.