Verdict

Yankee Storm has been in good form lately and was beaten less than a length over 7f here last time, though has gone up 2lb since. Barney Curley has had a couple of winners recently so a market move for the returning Elusive Hawk would have to be taken seriously while local trainer Christine Dunnett saddles Danzoe, a winner over 6f at Lingfield 12 days ago. Errigal Lad was runner-up over 6f at Nottingham two weeks ago but that is his trip and he's worth opposing here while Running Mate may need this. Chris Wall's handicappers are always worth a second look on this track and LES VERGUETTES should appreciate the step back up to 7f after three runs over shorter. She gets the vote.

Formwatch

Elusive Hawk (IRE) 16-1 (9-7) Dwelt, held up behind, headway over 2f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, kept on and no impression, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Cativo Cavallino (9-4) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Oct.

Dream Catcher (FR) 7-2fav (9-6) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on towards finish, 5th of 16, 1 1/2l behind My Own Way Home (9-1) at Salisbury 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.

Danzoe (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, good headway over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, just held on, all out, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gd beating Mucky Molly (8-12) by shd, 14 ran.

Amosite 12-1 (8-7) Led until over 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Piddie's Power (9-6) at Lingfield 6f fll hcp (0-75) (5) gf in May.

Silver Linnet (IRE) 22-1 (9-8) Mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 13, 4l behind Ginzan (9-11) at Windsor 5f fll hcp (5) sft.

Les Verguettes (IRE) 3-1 (9-12) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 8, 6l behind Dancing Welcome (10-0) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.

Running Mate (IRE) 10-3fav (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at Kempton 6f hcp (0-55) (6) pol in Mar beating Avonvalley (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.

Excellent Aim 3-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, soon edged left to challeng, not pace of winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Peace Seeker (9-11) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Dec.

Errigal Lad 4-1 (9-4) Dwelt, held up behind, soon outpaced, kept on well final furlong, went 2nd near finish, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Big Wave (9-13) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.

Yankee Storm 5-2fav (9-10) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, not much room 2f out, switched right over 1f out, soon challenging, held close home, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Jonnie Skull (9-0) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.

Mister Green (FR) 12-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden inside final 2f, kept on same pace, weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 14, 7l behind Rockweiller (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in May.

Steel City Boy (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 8th of 15, 7l behind Tuibama (9-2) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs.

Whiskey Junction 14-1 (9-11) Led early, prominent, ridden and edged left over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 10l behind Spin Again (10-0) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.

Green Warrior 22-1 (9-1) Dwelt, outpaced towards rear, headway over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 6l behind Rio's Girl (9-2) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.

Thalia Grace 12-1 (9-1) Mid-division, switched right inside final 2f, kept on same pace inside final furlong, weakened closing stages, 6th of 12, 2 3/4l behind First Class (8-13) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Jan.

Rasteau (IRE) 22-1 (8-6) Prominent, ridden 3f out, outpaced final 2f, 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Handsome King (9-7) at Yarmouth 1m mdn hcp 0-65 (6) gf.