The way DESERT RAIDER bossed the opposition at Lingfield last week was impressive and given he had that race settled a couple of furlongs from home it is no surprise to see him cut back to 7f here. He has only had 7 starts and just 4 in a handicap so should be open to further improvement yet. He is the obvious pace in the race and may well make all again. Likeashadow drops back in trip but will need to get away on terms to have a chance. That might leave Havana Smoke as a greater danger.

Hard to oppose INSURRECTION here as he has really impressed on both starts over hurdles so far. He won head in chest at Exeter on hurdles debut and then bumped into the promising Deafening Silence at Sandown last month. The front pair dominated that race and came 24 lengths clear from the third. That is the best form on offer and with further improvement to come he should get back to winning ways. Lucky Place impressed winning readily at Doncaster and is the danger if improving again.