'He could be a bit better than a handicapper'

Fiddlerontheroof finished second to Cloudy Glen in the Ladbrokes Trophy. He is now realising his potential. Winning off his mark of 155 would set up a Gold Cup bid. Ask Me Early is the only one of Fiddleronherooff's rivals who would appear the right side of the 20s bar in something like a Lad Broke Trophy race. Hold That Taught rounds off the field. The field is broadly in line with the usual for the race, with a sprinkling of major interest in Fiddlethero of and Ask me early.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Fiddlerontheroof, didn't want to blow his mark for the Grand National. Henry Daly, the trainer, wanted to run him over 3m4f on heavy ground at Haydock. Regal Encore, who had a wind operation, has slipped down to a mark of 140. Ask Me Early, whose aim is the Midlands National, will only run at Ascot if Wincanton is off. Hold That Taught, a horse who wants heavy, ran okay last time in the Welsh National and wants a proper test at Lingfield. Truckers Lodge, which is sharp enough for him, could have a chance if it rains all day. Larry, with no weight, is going to race.