Verdict

Not a strong first division of this split contest although Factotum would have picked these up and carried them in his pomp. Sadly, he seems evermore on the downgrade and TIERMORE is a hopeful recommendation. David Rees' charge was off for 18 months from November 2010 but makes fair appeal on the best of his form and crucially has conditions to suit. Hopefully, a Stratford fall last time will not have dented confidence. Herminella, the sole four-year-old, delivered a fair third here last time when third on good ground behind Fearless Leader and the ex-William Muir filly, twice a scorer for that yard on the level, could go close to giving her yard their first winner. Support for Quaddick Lake after an absence would be of interest.

Formwatch

Francis Du Mesnil (FR) 66-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, jumped slowly 3rd, ridden and struggling after 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Captain Sharpe (10-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Apr.

Tiermore (IRE) 15-2 (11-11) Held up towards rear, fell 7th, in a race won by Sunny Spells (11-7) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs, 12 ran.

Factotum 9-1 (11-12) In rear, pushed along after 5th, behind when mistake 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Everdon Brook (9-8) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Jun, 10 ran.

Sahrati 6-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, weakened 8th, tailed off 3 out, 8th of 12, 41l behind Sunny Spells (11-7) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs.

Quaddick Lake (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders until blunderd and unseated rider 7th, in a race won by Lord Henry (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hts chs (6) gf in Apr '11, 12 ran.

Midnight Spirit 9-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden before 2 out, one pace and no impression, 4th of 5, 13l behind Santo Thomas (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in May.

The Fox's Decree 16-1 (11-8) Always behind, 7th of 12, 15l behind Sunny Spells (11-7) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs.

Mckyla (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, mistake 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 10, 35l behind Commanche Dream (10-0) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in Jun.

Maid Of Silk (IRE) 7-2fav (11-12) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, jumped left next, pecked 5th, headway 6th, no impression when bad mistake 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Lajidaal (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Jun, 9 ran.

Herminella 40-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd after last, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 11, 10l behind Fearless Leader (11-12) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in Jun.

De Luain Gorm (IRE) 18-1 (10-8) In touch in 5th when fell 3rd, in a race won by Marodima (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in May, 8 ran.

Rita Speak 50-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, not fluent 4th, never on terms, well beaten after 2 out, 6th of 13, 35l behind Cape Express (11-2) at Hereford 2m 1f 4yo nov stks (4) gd in Jun.