TimeformBlog

Wild Desert won at Wolverhampton in November and has generally acquitted himself well since. Good third of 10 to Western Prize at Salisbury last time, and respected again, for all further rain would be a worry.

Boss's Destination produced a career-best effort to win 2m handicap at Southwell in April. Not fired in 3 runs back on turf since, however, and others arrive here in better form.

Mojolika was successful in this race last year and, fit from hurdling, has returned to the Flat in top form, finishing second to Blackstone Vegas over 17f at Pontefract on good to soft last month. Sure to go well.

Mohawk Ridge shaped well under an overly-aggressive ride at Thirsk last month, and built on that effort when scoring well at Catterick last time. Up 7 lb for that, though, and may prove vulnerable.

Markington was better than ever when winning twice at up to 2¼m in 2010, including this race, but largely below form for Peter Bowen last summer. No threat on return for new yard at Salisbury, but not written off.

Blackstone Vegas arrives here in good order, landing staying contests at Kempton and Pontefract before a solid third at latter track last time. Has risen in the weights, and more required to regain winning thread.

Petella picked up 2 handicaps for new yard last season, the second over 17f at Pontefract in August. Good fourth to Blackstone Vegas there on return, and that should have put an edge on her.

Stags Leap was inconsistent for Alistair Whillans last year, but won over hurdles in May for current yard. Failed to build on an encouraging return when down the field at Hamilton (in cheekpieces) last time.

Moon Trip landed a 1m Leicester nursery in August, and good second at Musselburgh (12.5f) last month. Below form at Salisbury last time, and takes a further hike in trip now.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Mojolika
2. Petella
3. Blackstone Vegas

Timeform View: Blackstone Vegas had Mojolika and Petella behind when winning at Pontefract last month, but may struggle to confirm form on revised terms, and Tim Easterby's gelding is taken to follow up last year's success in this event.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/