Verdict

Kelso winner Oak Vintage couldn’t handle a 10lb rise at Catterick and looks vulnerable again here, though appears to hold Mr Witmore on the form book. Paddling was almost five lengths behind the latter at Hexham and is worse off at the weights but Mahlerdramatic could be interesting making his chasing debut on a potentially lenient mark. FIT FOR FIFTY also tackles the larger obstacles for the first time. He’s only five and has been placed between the flags so gets the nod.

Formwatch

Presenting Rose (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, led until before 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 11, 27 1/4l behind Attention Seaker (11-2) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Mahlerdramatic (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, pushed along and weakening when mistake 3 out, 8th of 15, 34 1/2l behind Knocknamona (10-0) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Grays Choice (IRE) 17-2 (11-0) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, weakened from next, 13th of 17, dist behind Aengus (12-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Feb.

Paddling (FR) 16-1 (10-0) Held up in last pair, headway chasing leaders approaching 8th, 3rd before 3 out, weakened before last, 4th of 7, 13 1/2l behind Celtic Flames (10-10) at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Oak Vintage (IRE) 5-4fav (11-1) Led until after 7th, led again before 8th, headed 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Middlebrow (11-13) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Nov.

Fit For Fifty 3-1fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, one pace in 3rd from last, 4th of 14, 3 3/4l behind Bollin Line (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Nov.

Mr Witmore (IRE) 28-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, blundered and rider lost iron 8th, rallied into 4th 2 out, 3rd before last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Celtic Flames (10-10) at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Under The Red Sky (IRE) 6-1 (10-1) With leader, left in lead after 1st, headed after 2nd, led again 3rd, headed 11th, 4th of 8, dist behind Knocknamona (10-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.