COUNT PALATINE (2) was out of the money first-up but has since placed two on end and looks close to a win, the latest effort a second over 1500m at Beverley. Backmarker who gets home hard. Will be tough to stop. NOVELLO LAD (8) is usually thereabouts but finds it hard to win, with only one victory from 14 starts. Was again denied last start when he found a couple better over 1220m at Redcar. Meets some better types this time but he has the ability to test this field. WRECK IT RYLEY (1) did little and finished 3.5 lengths from the winner in sixth over 1200m at York last start, a less impressive effort than his fourth at Ripon the run before. Has the talent to take this out. ANGEL OF RAIN (4) looks to kick off this prep the way she ended the last four months ago when she scored over 1200m at Wolverhampton. This sets up nicely.