Verdict

Viscount Vert found himself in all kinds of trouble as he attempted a hat-trick at Windsor last week and eventually his saddle slipped while in contention. It's unlikely he would have beaten the winner Takeitfromalady but would definitely have troubled the runner-up Sir Mike, who is in opposition here. My Lord had finished a length second to Viscount Vert at Windsor earlier, his first start since April and for Luke Dace. He's 7lb better off here and is expected to gain revenge though none of the aforementioned may prevent HILALI from completing a double. He's only had five starts - one of them over hurdles at Ffos Las - but produced a shock when gaining a very smooth victory on his first soft-ground start at Newbury and even a 10lb rise doesn't look enough to halt his progress. Star Surprise has won twice in his career - both times on this track - but the latest of them was in 2010 and he's still high enough in the weights.

Formwatch

Star Surprise 6-1 (10-0) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, chased winner, one pace and held when lost 2nd last strides, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Silvery Moon (9-12) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-85 (4) sft.

Shavansky 10-1 (9-5) Dwelt, in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 7l behind Trade Commissioner (9-5) at Salisbury 1m hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.

Viscount Vert (IRE) 10-3 (9-5) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, hard ridden and staying on when saddle slipped and unseated rider inside final furlong, in a race won by Takeitfromalady (9-7) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft, 9 ran.

Sir Mike 8-1 (9-6) Prominent, every chance over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Takeitfromalady (9-7) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft.

Push Me (IRE) 13-2 (9-7) Held up in touch, lost place when outpaced 3f out, ridden 2f out, headway and hung left over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Keene Dancer (9-4) at Windsor 1m flls hcp 0-80 (4) sft.

Hilali (IRE) 28-1 (9-5) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ridden clear, won at Newbury 1m 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jun beating Darnathean (9-4) by 6l, 11 ran.

My Lord 18-1 (9-9) Chased leader, led over 2f out, driven over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Viscount Vert (9-11) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd.

Masters Blazing 9-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, no impression, 5th of 8, 5l behind Trail Blaze (9-6) at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun.