Verdict

Charlie Tokyo was racing in Pattern company at the end of his Flat season and could have too much class for this opposition but this is his first run over obstacles and it may be worth taking him on with Final Veto. He showed a fair level of form in some well contested bumpers last season and shaped well enough on his hurdling debut at Wetherby to suggest that he can pick up races now that he's got that experience under his belt. All For The Cause was back in fourth that day and ran below par but he looks vulnerable under his penalty. The other penalised runner, Puy D'Arnac, beat a stablemate of Charlie Tokyo's over course and distance around a fortnight ago; this race looks stronger but he's open to improvement. Of the remainder, Byron Bay and Realism are worth a second look but, for the selection, we come back to Final Veto.

Formwatch

All For The Cause (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 17, 17l behind Striking Article (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Puy d'Arnac (FR) 12-1 (11-3) Always prominent, led approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well, won at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Dec beating Fortunate Isle (11-6) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.

Banana Grove (IRE) 100-1 (8-7) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never on terms, 3rd of 5, 18l behind Sabbeeh (8-9) at Ayr 1m 3yo stk (C2) sft in Oct '04 (Flat).

Byron Bay 16-1 (9-3) In touch far side group, led far side group over 3f out, headed by that group inside final furlong, soon weakened, 9th of 19, 23l behind European Dream (8-13) at Newcastle 1m hcap (2) gs in Mar (Flat).

Charlie Tokyo (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders and keen, one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Fairmile (9-2) at York 1m 2f stk (3) gd in Oct (Flat).

Final Veto 20-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 17, 16l behind Striking Article (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Island Key (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) In touch, lost place halfway, soon behind, 12th of 16, well behind Star Player (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.

Jabraan (USA) 100-1 (8-0) Slowly into stride and always in rear, last of 9, 26l behind Cinematic (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov (Flat).

Jack Tar (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Always behind, 10th of 14, well behind Auroras Encore (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Mayor of Seaham (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Slowly away, always behind, last of 8, 49l behind Frank Crow (9-0) at Ayr 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept '05 (Flat).

Realism (FR) 11-4 (11-2) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, staying on when blundered 3 out, no impression, 5th of 13, 16l behind Trafalgar Man (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in May.

Snowy Day (FR) 66-1 (11-6) Always behind, tailed off from 6th, 9th of 11, well behind Andytown (11-1) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs.

The Longfella 50-1 (10-12) Held up, some headway after 3 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 37l behind Super Baby (10-9) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec '06.

Waldo Winchester (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, weakened over 3f out, 12th of 18, 26l behind Noble Alan (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Nov.

Mabel (IRE) 17-2 (9-11) Towards rear, stayed on final 2f, never dangerous, 8th of 15, 9l behind McQueen (9-0) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Oct (Flat).

Vie A Deux (FR) 125-1 (10-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 16, 46l behind Silver By Nature (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.