Verdict

Anitopia has shown fair form in bumper company but all three runs were on good ground. The combination of being unproven in forecast conditions and an absence of over a year is rather off-putting. Mumgos Debut has been well beaten on both starts, likewise Adios Saffron, adrift on both outings in Cartmel maiden hurdles. All of which leaves the door well and truly open for HAWKHILL. He concedes a stone all round but his form profile eclipses his rivals, including a dogged success on soft ground at Southwell in May. This looks an outstanding opportunity to notch another victory.

Formwatch

Hawkhill (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, 3rd and ridden after 2 out, stayed on under pressure to take 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 14l behind Constant Contact (11-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f Ladies Handicap Hurdle (0-135) (4yo+) (3) gs in Jul.

Adios Saffron (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, pushed along after 3rd, chased clear pair from 3 out until run-in, no impression, 4th of 7, 41l behind Jasper Massini (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Jul.

Anitopia 7-1 (11-8) In touch on outside, headway to track winner over 4f out, ridden and lost place 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 25l behind Atlanta Falcon (11-1) at Perth 2m NH flat (6) gf in Jun '11.

Mumgos Debut (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Took keen hold towards rear, plugged on to 4th 4 out, one pace in modest 3rd over 2f out, 3rd of 8, well behind Our Joey (10-5) at Perth 2m NH flat (6) sft in Jun.