Verdict

SWAFFHAM BULBECK will likely be a short price to go one better than when a very promising second behind the more-experienced Mister Chow at Warwick. Olly Murphy’s four-year-old was finishing best of all that day and this looks far less competitive. Lord Napier didn’t win on the Flat but was placed three times up to 1m4f and wasn’t disgraced on his hurdling debut at Kelso for Peter Bowen. He is open to further improvement and makes more appeal than French import By Rail, who may need more time, and St Patrick’s Day, a three-times winner on the all-weather but beaten a long way when third here in October.

Formwatch

Echnaton (GER) 100-1 (11-5) Took keen hold in rear, well behind before 3 out, last of 15, dist behind Turtle Wars (11-5) at Huntingdon 2m mdn (4) sft in Jan.

Hecton Bay (IRE) Trans Island gelding out of Reserve The Right.

Lord Napier (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd well before 2 out, chance 2 out, soon lost 2nd, mistake and weakened last, 5th of 14, 13l behind Clondaw Castle (11-4) at Kelso 2m (4) sft in Jan.

St Patrick's Day (IRE) 9-2 (9-12) Dwelt, raced wide towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 11, 10 1/2l behind Sooqaan (10-0) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) pol in Jan.

By Rail 25-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up and always last, never involved, last of 7, 16 3/4l behind Redicean (11-4) at Kempton 2m (4) sft in Jan.

Swaffham Bulbeck (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 5th, went 2nd flat, kept on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 3 1/4l behind Mister Chow (10-12) at Warwick 2m (4) hvy in Jan.