In great form last year when he scored four times and he's run well this on most of his starts all at Group level. Probably better than his last start when he had to chase a very strong pace from a bad draw behind the impressive Battash (good winner since) and has a great chance at the weights here.
His Ayr win over 6f was one of his best efforts this season and he dominated his field to make all off a mark of 82. Ran as well as that next time out off a 6lb higher mark over 6f here but has a lot more on his plate here in a conditions event.
Won a 5f handicap at Thirsk in May taking advantage of a much reduced mark and his form since has proved rather in-and-out of late. Shouldn't really be good enough to get in the mix here and has a lot to do at the weights.
C&D winner on his penultimate start but that win only came off 78 and all his form this year has come in Class 4 and 5 handicaps. Has plenty to do at the weights here and an unlikely winner if everything runs to form.
Useful performer but not quite up to this grade given his form overall in handicaps despite a decent recent run at Haydock Park over 6f. Would have to show a fair amount of improvement to take a hand here in the finish with two major players standing in his way.
Came back to life when winning a handicap over 6f here off a mark of 85 in July although she may well have been seen to good advantage there racing against the favoured (on this occasion) stands rail. Defied a penalty at Catterick in similarly impressive style back over 5f and the weight she receives here puts her in with a leading chance.
Non-Runners
2
(1)
Soie D'leau8
Weight: 9-5| Age: 5
T: Kristin Stubbs J: J Fanning
NR
Forecasts
Alpha Delphini (15/8), Glenrowan Rose (2/1), Dark Defender (9/2), Taexali (7/1), Soie D'leau (7/1), Henley (9/1), Elysian Flyer (22/1)
Given the weights this looks a head-to-head between ALPHA DELFINI and Glenrowan Rose with the former preferred over the latter given the company he’s been keeping this year. It looks as though the others are playing for places and Dark Defender is selected for that berth over Taexali and Soie D’Leau.