Verdict

Brave Rebellion is the proverbial good thing here but it may be worth taking him on with Classic Capers. Malcolm Jefferson's horses are running well at present and Classic Capers has won two and finished second on his three visits here. This looks less competitive than the races he's been tackling this term and he has carried a big weight under similar conditions in the past. Brave Rebellion is due to race from an 8lb higher mark in future having run No Refuge to a short-head over course and distance on New Year's Day. He relished the step up in trip on what was only his fourth start over fences and looks sure to win his share of races but two races under testing conditions in quick succession may take its toll. Bellaney Jewel has the scope to win more races from her current mark but this trip at this track looks to be a minimum for her and she's entitled to need the run. Sparkling Taff handles soft ground but his three wins have come under quick conditions. Like Classic Capers, Lucky Nellerie has been struggling to find his form this term but Classic Capers looks capable of bouncing back this afternoon.

Formwatch

Classic Capers 8-1 (11-9) Close up, mistake 17th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Delray Beach (10-6) at Hexham 4m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov, 13 ran.

Bellaney Jewel (IRE) 4-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, led 15th, headed 3 out, ridden to lead again after last, stayed on strongly, won at Kelso 4m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Mar beating Keepatem (10-13) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.

Brave Rebellion 4-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 7th, lhit 3 out, every chance last, hard ridden flat, just held, 2nd of 5, shd behind No Refuge (11-0) at Catterick 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs.

Jungle Jinks (IRE) 18-1 (10-10) With leader, led 6th, not fluent 7th, headed 8th, weakened 14th, jumped badly right 3 out and pulled up 5 out in race won by Special Conquest (10-7) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Dec, 8 ran.

Sparkling Taff 13-8 (11-7) Tracked leaders, left in lead 13th, strongly challenged from 3 out, kept on well under pressure flat, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Dec beating Polar Gale (10-13) by a nk, 4 ran.

Lucky Nellerie (FR) 15-2 (9-9) Held up, headway to lead 3rd until 16th, close up until weakened after 3 out, 7th of 13, well behind Rambling Minster (11-7) at Kelso 4m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Dec.

Ballyhale (IRE) 50-1 (10-13) Led to 5th, remained prominent until outpaced 3 out, 5th of 12, 11l behind The Gleaner (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Dec.

Carndale (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Led 2nd, jumped right throughout, blundered and unseated rider at the 14th in race won by Sparkling Taff (11-7) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Dec, 4 ran.