Verdict

Venture Girl was caught in the shadow of the post by Lady Pacha at Wetherby in November but that was only a seller. Royal Flynn has won only once over timber in 27 starts and his best recent form has been on much faster ground than he'll encounter here. Thievery has been jumping poorly over fences and hasn't run over hurdles for a very long time so this looks another opportunity for EASTWELL SMILES, who made all over 2m3f at Warwick on New Year's Eve and will be suited by this shorter trip. He's ahead of the handicapper, despite a penalty, and can complete a hurdling hat-trick initiated here in July.

Formwatch

Eastwell Smiles 6-1 (11-3) Made all, tended to jump left, clear after 4th, ridden and reduced lead between last 2, hard pressed flat, kept on under pressure, just held on, won at Warwick 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec beating Richmond (11-12) by ns, 12 ran.

Royal Flynn 14-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, reminders and headway approaching 4th, weakened after 2 out, 6th of 12, 22l behind Spice Bar (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.

Don Jose (USA) 150-1 (10-12) Pulled hard in mid-division, hit 2nd, never on terms, 8th of 12, 30l behind Safran De Cotte (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.

Sacco D'oro 66-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 14, 41l behind Smokey George (10-10) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl (3yo+) (5) hvy in Dec.

Venture Girl (IRE) 8-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, pushed along to lead 3 out, wandered and headed narrowly last, soon regained lead, kept on and wandered last 50 yards, caught post, 2nd of 12, shd behind Lady Pacha (9-12) at Wetherby 2m 3yo sll hdl (5) gs in Nov.

Thievery 9-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, fell 6th, in a race won by Handtheprizeover (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Nov, 6 ran.