Kathology is a value bet

His 5lb penalty for a fluid success at Newcastle certainly looks lenient, but he was previously trounced by Brevity. Although 7lb better off for a half-length disparity, the winner was eased markedly and has improved since.

Stablemate Continent makes more appeal. This ex-French gelding has run consistently well off seemingly harsh marks since joining Nicholls, although his comefrom-behind style of racing does find trouble. That was the problem behind Brevity at Ascot, when repeatedly blocked for room in the last two furlongs.

The recent rain is in his favour, but counts against the likes of Deep Space, Palanzo, Seven No Trumps and another easy Ascot winner-Smokin Beau. But Kathology has form on ground ranging from goodto-firm to plain soft and, at 33-1, looks cracking value. He left David Elsworth's yard at the end of last season to join Mark Johnston. That's a stable you want to side with at this meeting - they were bang on the money with Riberac yesterday in the William Hill Mile.

This colt has slipped to a mark 1lb below that of his Chester win last year and gets a further 3lb pull from apprentice rider, Keith Dalgleish.

He showed signs of being just as good as ever when third to Marsad at Newmarket and is now 13lb better off with that winner for less than two lengths.

Kathology also ran well for a long way when 10th in the Wokingham, blazing a trail on the nearside rail. His two wins have come over the minimum trip, but he's now got form over seven furlongs.

This sharp six should prove no problem. Recent eye-catcher, Honesty Fair, beat him at York last year but is now a massive 19lb worse off.

Cubism would have been the strong fancy had the rains not come. He was arguably unlucky when third last year, 'winning' the race on the stands' side but Tayseer and Bon Ami were ahead on the far side.

He hasn't won since May 1999, but conditions have rarely fallen right. But the John Hills-trained entire took the eye on both previous starts, behind Kayo at Newbury and when going easily until hampered in the Wokingham.

Gallop-watchers have noted him working particularly well in recent weeks and he will have been laid out for this race. He races off a mark 4lb lower than last year and a first-time visor will sharpen him up. But he needs fiercely fast ground and may have to settle for a bridesmaid's role yet again.

Halmahera has tumbled down the handicap since his short-head defeat by Deep Space in the 1999 Wokingham, but fared better than of late last time out. Last year's runner-up, Bon Ami, has lost his way, but Candleriggs must go well. Danielle's Lad is no forlorn hope, despite odds of 50-1.

Stewards' Cup selections: 1, Kathology (nap); 2, Cubism; 3, Continent; 4, Halmahera.