Verdict

Horizontal Speed will be a popular choice to go one better than one when second at Ascot last month, though Queen Olivia has also shown signs of ability and may have needed her run at Towcester. Stony Road was second at Ffos Las in October and My Mate Paddy should strip fitter for his run at Bangor but the breeding of newcomer SALTO CHISCO catches the eye. A son of Presenting, he represents the Donald McCain stable who have a terrific record here with their bumper horses. His relative lack of experience is unlikely to be an issue and he can make a winning debut.

Formwatch

Ergo Sum Fair Mix gelding out of Idiot's Lady.

Horizontal Speed (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Mid-division on outside, headway and in touch halfway, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression with winner, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Fiddlers Bid (11-0) at Ascot 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Nov.

Monasterevin (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 5th of 9, 25l behind Red Devil Boys (11-1) at Doncaster 2m cond NH flat (6) sft in Nov.

My Mate Paddy 66-1 (10-9) Last pair, struggling over 3f out, never involved, 8th of 10, 16l behind Even If (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f NH flat (6) hvy.

Nail 'm (IRE) Milan colt out of Honor Kicks.

Salto Chisco (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Dato Fairy.

Stony Road (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) With leader, ridden over 3f out, chased winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Mister W K (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m mdn NH flat (6) sft in Oct.

Vinniewhitefoot 40-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, 10th of 13, 40l behind Squire Trelawney (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) sft in Nov.

Queen Olivia 9-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 3rd over 1f out until no extra towards finish, 4th of 9, 22l behind Halo Moon (11-0) at Towcester 2m NH flat (6) sft.

Soeur Blanche (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) In rear, struggling approaching final 6f, plugged on final 2f, never on terms, 7th of 12, well behind Heavenstown (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Oct '11.