Threw victory away at Lockinge last time but hanging badly after the last with the race in the bag. That's still good form though and if he cuts out the party tricks this time, should be in the frame.
Came close to lowering the colours of the useful Vivaldi Collonges at Newbury on latest start, finding the post coming just too late. Normally a solid jumper and one of the main contenders again today.
Well into the veteran stage now but retains plenty of enthusiasm for the game and came good at Higham last time, beating the useful Can Mestret with a bit in hand. Needs more here but clearly in good heart.
Useful chaser at best and his close second to the classy Barel Of Laughs at Bangor in February shows all is not lost, but two moderate efforts since then mean he needs to bounce back to form now.
Second to Numbercruncher at Stratford last year the highlight of her recent career and her efforts other than that have been modest to say the least. Return to this venue may help but plenty to find.
Non-Runners
1
Woodfleet14
Weight: 12-0| Age: 7
T: R Bandey J: Mr Martin McIntyre
NR
Forecasts
Billy Merriott (6/4), Abricot De L'Oasis (13/8), The Caller (7/1), Mr Syntax (10/1), Woodfleet (16/1), Exclusive Rights (16/1), Swallowshide (50/1), Brave Jaq (50/1)
BILLY MERRIOTT won an Open easily two starts ago and did well to run a good sort close at Newbury on his latest start. With conditions fine, he looks the one to beat. Abricot De L'Oasis managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory last time but if staying on the straight and narrow this time, looks the main danger. Old Mr Syntax and The Caller may be best of the rest.