Verdict

The market frequently acts as a crucial pointer in these contests but TRICKSOFTHETRADE sets a good standard on the evidence to date. His only bad effort came on unsuitably heavy ground and his recent effort when third conceding weight all round was a meritorious performance. On this quick ground he is just preferred to Evans Wood who failed to build on an excellent debut third at Huntingdon behind the useful Ericht when pulling too hard last time. He'll be a threat if settling better. Brandon Thomas, One For Luck and Nine Carrot Gold look the most interesting of the newcomers on paper.

Formwatch

Tricksofthetrade (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out until not clear run inside final furlong, unable to quicken towards finish, 3rd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Find A Key (10-7) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gd.

Bolt From The Blue 33-1 (11-2) Held up, weakened over 5f out, 10th of 11, well behind Benny Be Good (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in Nov '09.

Brandon Thomas (IRE) Norwich gelding out of Last Sunrise.

Silver By Choice Silver Patriarch gelding out of Poor Celt.

Evans Wood 11-4fav (10-2) Held up towards rear and keen, headway halfway, went 3rd over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 10l behind Sinfield (10-8) at Catterick 2m mdn NH flat (6) gs in Feb.

Freebetting Boy (IRE) Sakhee gelding out of Mindanao.

Max My Boy (IRE) 22-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, weakened from 6f out, 6th of 7, 50l behind The Tracey Shuffle (11-10) at Newcastle 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Feb.

Nine Carrot Gold Denounce gelding out of Edged With Gold.

One For Luck Bollin Eric gelding out of One For Terry.

Granwood Midnight Legend mare out of Half Each.

Tobetall 66-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 11, well behind Bygones Sovereign (11-4) at Hexham 2m mdn NH flat (5) gs in Mar.