Disappointing on reappearance when a beaten favourite and showed very little here at the Open Meeting but produced a much better performance at Aintree last time. Needs to build on that to have a say here though.
Consistent but hasn't managed to get his head in front this season. Put up a big effort from top-weight in the Greatwood but well beaten here last time and looks a little vulnerable for win purposes.
Won this race last year and tends to hold his form well at this level. Put up a rare disappointing effort last time in a Grade 2 at Newbury but will most likely bounce back here and expected to be hard to beat.
Improved from chase debut to win at Ludlow in November and while no match for the winner at Huntingdon last time, he's respected back in this discipline. Ground fine but trip possibly a little on the sharp side.
Put up a huge effort when runner-up at Newbury in a Grade 2 race last time. Yard in form but there's a concern that all his best form has come with plenty of cut in the ground, something unlikely here.
Talented performer on his day and a Grade 2 winner at Aintree as a novice but hasn't shown anything in two runs for this yard and seemingly best watched at present.
Forecasts
Wholestone (6/4), Old Guard (7/2), Clyne (9/2), Midnight Shadow (8/1), Thomas Campbell (8/1), Cyrus Darius (14/1)
WHOLESTONE won this race last year and while he disappointed last time out, he rates as the type to bounce straight back and land what would appear to be a below par renewal of the race. Old Guard has form around here and is capable at this level while Clyne won't be far away with a reproduction of his Newbury effort, though he would surely have preferred some rain.