Verdict

A Grade 2 winner over hurdles last season, Nells Son was only beaten a neck when odds-on for his chasing debut at Ayr last month and will be fancied to go one better here. But GARRY CLERMONT also showed promise in a couple of run over fences at the end of 2020 and his form over hurdles last season suggests he may be the pick of the weights in this. The lightly-raced Hasty Brook is preferred to Tamar Bridge of the others.

Formwatch

Nells Son 10-11fav (11-10) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, challenged last, soon led and ridden, headed towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Since Day One (11-2) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct.

Garry Clermont (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, steady headway 7th, further progress travelling strongly 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on from last but no chance with leading pair, 4th of 21, 10l behind Langer Dan (11-1) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Apr.

Tamar Bridge (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) Raced wide, chased leaders, lost place slightly when pushed along on paddock bend after 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Haydock 3m hcp (2) hvy in Feb.

Hasty Brook (FR) 11-10 (11-7) Close up, pressed leader before 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, outpaced by winner before last, kept on but well held, 2nd of 3, 6 1/2l behind Ailie Rose (11-0) at Ayr 3m (4) gs in Apr.