Verdict

An interesting stayers' handicap where both Wells Lyrical and Bollin Felix would be of much more interest if their stables were not in such dire form, and so we will side with Arundel raider DOWNHILLER. John Dunlop's runners have shown plenty of good signs this week and when Eddie Ahern rides for the maestro then it usually pays to take note. Although Downhiller has never won over two miles he did go close on his penultimate start last season, his fitness is taken on trust and he can prove good enough with conditions suitable. Bogside Theatre has bombproof stamina but would want rain and a drop in the weights to be taken seriously as a winner here, although the frame may await. Double Banded is another with claims in this. Ian Williams' gelding has won over the trip at Newmarket when with John Dunlop a couple of seasons ago and he has slipped back to a competitive mark after a string of defeats. He is given plenty of respect but we turn to Downhiller for the selection today.

Formwatch

Bogside Theatre (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Led until over 3f out, soon weakened, 27th of 32, well behind Caracciola (9-6) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcap (2) gd in Oct.

Dunaskin (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Chased winner until over 3f out, ridden and soon beaten, last of 4, 14l behind Fiulin (8-11) at Nottingham 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gf.

Wing Collar 33-1 (8-7) Raced keenly, mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 15th of 20, 14l behind All The Good (9-0) at Newbury 1m 5f hcap (2) gs in Aug.

Downhiller (IRE) 9-2 (8-13) In touch until lost touch over 3f out, never dangerous from over 2f out, 9th of 12, 17l behind Desert Sea (8-13) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.

Bollin Felix 6-4fav (10-0) Held up, ridden over 3f out, stayed on well from over 1f out, nearest at finish, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Nemo Spirit (8-13) at Musselburgh 2m hcap (2) sft in Nov.

Double Banded (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden over 3f out, headway final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Merchant Of Dubai (8-11) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcap (2) gs in Oct.

Tamimi's History 50-1 (8-11) Always behind, outpaced final 2f, 13th of 16, 10l behind Greylami (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.

Wells Lyrical (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Held up behind leaders, headway 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Doncaster 1m 7f hcap (4) gd in Oct beating Soundbyte (8-3) by 3/4l, 20 ran.

Four Miracles 66-1 (8-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden then hung right over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 10th of 32, 13l behind Caracciola (9-6) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcap (2) gd in Oct.

My Immortal 8-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, not much room over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 11, 8l behind Gordonsville (9-2) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.

Dolly Penrose 15-2 (8-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, chased leading pair over 2f out until no extra from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 18l behind Veracity (9-3) at Pontefract 2m 2f cond Stakes (3) gd in Oct.

Luna Landing 9-1 (9-11) Led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 12, 12l behind Grandad Bill (8-7) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (4) gs in Oct.