Verdict

On paper this looks to be a match up between THATLLDOFORME and Bog Oak, with the former our selection, but there may also be some support for Bullies Acre. Alistair Whillans gelding won a similar contest last month on what was his chase debut, and it was in similarly testing conditions, albeit over slightly shorter. He defied top weight that day too, which he'd have to do here. It's not that strong a field though, and he looks the one to beat. Bog Oak races for the first time since October. He's not always got round, but his last two outings have both been here and seen respectable finishes, when he's coped with plenty of cut in the ground up the energy sapping hill. Bullies Acre has also shown himself capable of handling the track when the going gets tough, and gaining weight all round will be a massive help here. However we think the most likely winner is Thatlldoforme.

Formwatch

Thatlldoforme 20-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, driven to lead between last 2, headed narrowly last, ridden and stayed on to lead again final 50 yards, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan beating It's Bertie (11-1) by 2l, 12 ran.

Bog Oak (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Held up, steady headway after 7th, kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Lerida (9-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Oct.

First Fought (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Towards rear, outpaced 10th, never dangerous, 9th of 16, well behind Sa Suffit (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f beg chs (4) gs in Jan.

Astyanax (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden and weakened from 13th, 8th of 13, 44l behind Seize (11-7) at Musselburgh 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Dec.

Whispering Moor 80-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Nelliedonethat (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.

Bullies Acre (IRE) 8-1 (9-9) Mid-division, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Thatlldoforme (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan, 12 ran.