Verdict

Brian Ellison has done well with Stormy Weather, who has won on the Flat, over hurdles and over fences since arriving at Norton. The grey won by 10 lengths on his chasing bow at Wetherby but faces no easy task here giving weight to a couple of potentially useful novices. AP McCoy has travelled up for the ride of Lucinda Russell's TAP NIGHT and the hint should be taken. The five-year-old beat hot chasing prospect Captain Conan in a Grade 2 hurdle at Kelso last season and can make a winning debut over the larger obstacles. Viva Colonia may not quite have the scope of the selection but should also be worth following over fences this winter while it will be interesting to see how the four-year-old Un Guet Apens fares in this company.

Formwatch

Stormy Weather (FR) 5-4fav (11-0) Tracked leader, every chance 3 out, led on bit next, soon clear, comfortably, won at Wetherby 2m nov chs (4) gs in Nov beating Houston Dynimo (11-7) by 10l, 4 ran.

Granville Island (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Led, hit 4th, ridden and joined 2 out, headed and hit last, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Marchand D'argent (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in May.

Mannered 5-1 (11-0) Led, strongly challenged 3 out, headed after next, weakened before last, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Quelle Chance (10-9) at Hexham 3m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Apr '11.

Rapidolyte De Ladalka (FR) 9-2 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway 2 out, soon hampered, in 4th and looking held when fell heavily last, in a race won by Tommysteel (11-9) at Kelso 3m 1f nov hts chs (6) gs in May, 11 ran.

Tap Night (USA) 6-4fav (11-12) Held up behind leaders, not fluent 6th, headway approaching 3 out, led last, just held on, won at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov beating Auenschutze (10-0) by shd, 6 ran.

Viva Colonia (IRE) 20-1 (10-6) Always behind, 12th of 16, 13l behind Raya Star (10-1) at Ascot 2m Listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Dec '11.

Un Guet Apens (FR) 4-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, mistake 4th, weakened 6th, well behind before 3 out, soon pulled up, in a race won by Tap Night (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov, 6 ran.