C&D winner for which she is penalised 7lb, only lightly-raced showed much improved form when upped to 3m for the first time on that occasion. That was only her third handicap, scope for further progress, looks to have been found a weak heat.
Unreliable type when with Jonjo O'Neill (won a novice hurdle for the yard), still I touch when brought down on stable debut at Perth (had been well supported). Not seen since she needs to be at the top off her game to make an impression off a break.
Prolific winner in point-to-points (10-23), completed a chasing hat-trick in the summer of 2018 (one win round here over 3m). Not seen under Rules since failing to complete a four-timer (has run twice in points this year), doubts remain.
Better known for his chasing exploits (dual 3m winner over fences last summer), unsuccessful in nine starts since (including one over hurdles). Not as good in this sphere (modest at best), well below his winning chase marks but work to do.
Course stalwart, seven-time winner around here over hurdles and fences but hasn't looked in anything approaching that form of late. Pulled up on his last three starts (last two over fences), hard to enthuse about his chance.
The recent good form of the yard need to work the oracle on this one having offered little on first start since a wind op last December (wore tongue-tie). Cheekpieces now added for return dropping to a career low mark, limited appeal.
Twice successful over hurdles at Taunton early in 2019 over this trip, she failed to take to fences last autumn (failed to complete each time). Did little to think she would bounce back here with a discouraging display at Uttoxeter last time.
A career-record of 1-40 (1-38 over hurdles) fails to inspire much confidence in his chance although he did mildly hint a revival when last seen in February over 2m at Ludlow. Effective at longer trips, this may stretch him, stable in a lull.
Still a maiden over hurdles (0-18) but does find himself in a particularly weak race here having had a recent spin on the Flat. That may well have brought him on and off a basement mark he has to be considered having proved himself over this trip.
Maintained his maiden status but has on occasions run with some credit and didn't do badly (travelled quite well) when last seen at Kelso in September. Stepped right up in trip now, task made harder by being 8lb out the weights.
Forecasts
The Distant Lady (2/5), Racing Spirit (15/2), Big Penny (12/1), Passing Oceans (12/1), Cottonvale (14/1), King Golan (22/1), Lamh Ar Lamh (25/1), Lotus Pond (28/1), Riddlestown (80/1), Cully Mac (100/1)
A weak contest and it probably gives THE DISTANT LADY a good chance to follow up her C&D 10L win from 11 days ago where she showed improved form and unlike most/all of these has some handicapping scope left within her. Finding dangers is hard with any solid form apart from that shown by the selection hard to find. Racing Spirit who stays this trip and has dropped considerably in the weights looks a possible threat having had a spin on the Flat of late with King Golan and Big Penny given nominal shouts for the minor placing.