Verdict

BAFANA BLUE appeared to be holding Sophie Olivia when that one fell at the last at Ayr. His progress this season has been remarkable and a four-timer beckons for Maurice Barnes’ gelding, who has already shown a liking for this track. No Hassle Hoff surely won’t remain a maiden over fences now he’s joined Richard Newland, who fits him with blinkers, while Terry The Fish got back to winning ways at Wincanton in October, though may need a faster surface. Trio For Rio can only improve on his fifth at Aintree but Teddy Tee runs his best races at Ayr.

Formwatch

Terry The Fish (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on inside, slow 9th, went 2nd 2 out, led last, stayed on well, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Oct beating Bramble Brook (11-6) by 3l, 12 ran.

Bafana Blue 7-4fav (11-1) Tracked leader, led 3 out, strongly challenged next, left well clear last, won at Ayr 3m hcp (3) hvy in Nov beating Polydora (11-12) by 26l, 5 ran.

No Hassle Hoff (IRE) 4-6fav (11-6) Chased leading pair, pushed along and outpaced after last (normal 2 out) ridden and no extra run-in, 3rd of 4, 11 1/2l behind Canton Prince (11-6) at Cartmel 2m 5f (4) sft in Jul.

Trio For Rio (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Prominent on outside, not fluent and lost place 4th, behind 11th, mistake 4 out, 5th of 7, dist behind Champagne Mystery (11-2) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Teddy Tee (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Led to 8th, tracked winner, mistake 10th, lost place 12th, unable to go with rival pair before 4 out, no chance after, hit 2 out, last of 3, dist behind Get Out The Gate (11-4) at Perth 3m (4) gd in May.