Verdict

Shantou Flyer and Regal Encore were relatively unfancied when landing valuable handicaps at Cheltenham and here respectively last time but will be among the favourites for this. Cold March bounced back to his best at Musselburgh and also enters calculations. Irish Saint was behind Regal Encore over 3m here five weeks ago but should get closer over a shorter trip and on better terms. Fox Appeal has the past form to figure but On Tour and Dark Flame may have a bit to find. KYLEMORE LOUGH (NAP) was a high-class novice last season and only beaten a head by Royal Regatta on his reappearance. He wasn’t beaten far in a Grade 3 at Cheltenham subsequently and this looks less competitive.

Formwatch

Kylemore Lough 9-1 (11-10) Soon prominent, chased leader before 2nd, mistake 3 out, led before next, edged left before hitting last, soon headed, no extra and lost 3 places towards finish, 5th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Frodon (10-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Dec.

Shantou Flyer (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, hampered 12th, hampered 4 out, led before 2 out, edged left flat, stayed on well, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Jan beating Village Vic (11-11) by 3l, 11 ran.

Regal Encore (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) Raced wide and well off the pace towards rear, pushed along before 14th, 7th and plenty to do before 2 out, stayed on after 2 out, driven in 4th between last two, stayed on strongly run-in to lead final 100 yards, won at Ascot 3m hcp lst (1) gs in Dec beating Minella Daddy (10-13) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.

Cold March (FR) 6-1 (11-11) Led, headed before 4 out, led again 3 out, kept on, driven out, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Jan beating Upsilon Bleu (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.

Irish Saint (FR) 7-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, pushed along in 5th on inside after 3 out, went 4th 2 out, ridden and weakened between last two, 6th of 14, 10l behind Regal Encore (11-1) at Ascot 3m hcp lst (1) gs in Dec.

Fox Appeal (IRE) 4-1jfav (11-12) Close up when field came into view 6th, led narrowly when came into view again briefly 4 out, headed and no chance with winner before next, fell, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Jan.

On Tour (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Held up, in rear, headway on outside 5 out, 3rd 4 out, no extra before 2 out, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Aso (11-8) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Dec.

Dark Flame (IRE) 7-1fav (11-7) Held up towards rear, pushed along in 4th place after 10th, 3rd after 3 out, one pace run-in, 3rd of 15, 6 1/4l behind Poker School (10-3) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.