Verdict

Princeton Royale has won off a higher mark over hurdles but is better known as a chaser nowadays and this a decent race for the track. It’s even harder to fancy Rock Of Leon but the remaining trio all have decent claims. RED INDIAN (NAP) had Saturday’s impressive Saturday winner Topofthegame just behind when third in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last month. He should stay the extra on this sharp track and, despite a 3lb rise, is the one to beat ahead of recent Uttoxeter second Applesandpierres and Theo’s Charm. Nick Gifford’s charge doesn’t always have the best of luck but still seems to find at least one too good.

Formwatch

Red Indian 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, hit 5th, went 2nd 3 out, soon led, ridden and joined next, headed before the last, 3rd and one pace run-in, 3rd of 16, 2 3/4l behind William Henry (11-12) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp lst (1) sft in Jan.

Theo's Charm (IRE) 2-1 (11-12) Prominent, pushed along after 3 out, every chance 2 out, held from last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Fourth Act (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.

Applesandpierres (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd, headway on outside from 3 out, went 2nd and jumped left last, led flat, headed final 50 yards, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Yalltari (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Jan.

Princeton Royale (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Led, jumped left 4 out, soon ridden and looked awkward, headed before 2 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Pougne Bobbi (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Rock Of Leon 7-2 (11-5) With leader, led after 3rd, headed after last, kept on and always held, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Ascendant (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (5) sft in Jan.