Verdict
The progressive Lordofthehouse ended last season with a hat-trick that including a win on soft ground over today's trip at Newcastle. He looks capable of better still this season and Willie Haggas' yard continues to rattle in the winners. If diverted here from Ascot, he'd probablyb take all the beating but today's going could prove problematic for recent Doncaster runner-up Odin's Raven and BROCKFIELD looks a bigger threat back over this distance after last week's second at Beverley. He gets the nod as Light The City is 9lb higher than last month's victory at Catterick. Flying Power and Singzak are ones to look out for on their return to action.
Formwatch
Eltheeb 20-1 (9-2) In touch on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 13, 10l behind Taqleed (9-9) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Sep.
Lordofthehouse (IRE) 11-4fav (8-13) Slowly into stride, soon recovered to chase leader, led narrowly over 3f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, rallied under pressure to lead again close home, won at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Sep beating Wayward Glance (9-6) by nk, 8 ran.
Beat The Shower 13-2 (9-5) Held up towards rear and keen, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 27l behind Los Nadis (9-1) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Flying Power 6-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and strongly pressed from over 2f out, headed near finish, 2nd of 15, nk behind Countess Comet (9-7) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Oct.
Mazij 3-1 (8-13) Led 1f, tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner inside final 2f, kept on same pace, no impresion when lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 7l behind Illustrious Forest (8-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Odin's Raven (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Held up behind, headway 3f out, effort over 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, stayed on to go 2nd towards finish, not reach winner, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Royal Swain (9-1) at Doncaster 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Singzak 9-2 (9-7) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Body Language (9-5) at Redcar 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
Fossgate 11-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, never on terms, 4th of 10, 12l behind Alsahil (8-7) at York 1m 4f app hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Sep.
Maven 11-2 (8-7) Held up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 9l behind Dragonera (9-5) at Doncaster 1m 2f fll hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) sft in Apr.
Brockfield 7-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on and always held, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Amazing Blue Sky (9-2) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Light The City (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 3f out, edged left and headed 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 6l behind La Bacouetteuse (9-2) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Yahrab (IRE) 18-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders and keen, went 2nd over 4f out, pushed along over 3f out, lost place from over 2f out, last of 9, 31l behind Striker Torres (8-9) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
