Verdict

Briar's Mist gets the call over Alfy Rich, Harrovian and Moon Mist. Stamina will be very important in these conditions, and Briar's Mist fits the bill after opening his account under rules for Chris Grant in heavy ground at Uttoxeter last month. The former point-to-pointer failed to live up to expectations for Henrietta Knight and even had a spell hunting in Ireland before moving to Grant's Cleveland yard, but now that connections have found the key to him, the eight-year-old, who basically just jumps and stays, can make up for lost time. This is a step up in grade for sure, but hopefully he will be up to the task. Alfy Rich was successful at Perth in the summer, but has not looked the same horse in softer conditions. He has gone up in the weights as well, so is worth taking on. Harrovian has also sneaked up the ratings and now makes his debut over fences. He is best watched, while Moon Mist ran well from out of the handicap here last time, and with Peter Buchanan in the plate again, she can be expected to repeat the feat even though she is 6lbs 'wrong', but Briars Mist has already proven himself and should prevail.