Verdict

Alaphilippe is unbeaten so far under Rules and Fergal O’Brien puts up useful 7lb claimer Liam Harrison to help offset his penalties. He’s preferred to Pay The Piper, who made a winning start over hurdles at Sedgefield, but still has to give weight to the progressive BARRICHELLO, who also represents a yard in cracking form at present. Donald McCain’s gelding rallied late on over track and trip last time and a first victory looks imminent. Jockey bookings put him ahead of stable companion Obey The Rules in the pecking order.

Formwatch

Alaphilippe (IRE) 2-5fav (11-5) Raced on inside, tracked leader, led 6th, clear before 2 out, easily, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec beating Won't Talk (10-12) by 7 1/2l, 5 ran.

Pay The Piper (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Chased leading pair, went 2nd before 2 out, led on extended run-in, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Dec beating Word Has It (11-6) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.

Arctic Valley (IRE) 80-1 (10-12) Towards rear, behind after 6th, pulled up before 4 out, at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f (3) gd in Sep.

Barrichello 7-2 (11-7) Held up in midfield, smooth progress after 3 out, chased leader after 2 out, ridden for effort approaching last, lacked pace of winner on the run-in, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind South Terrace (11-7) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Dec.

Hallowed Ground (IRE) (11-11) Mid-div, 5th from 6th, 7l 4th aftr 4out, fair 5th & no impr when left 3rd & b hmprd 2out, wknd, 5th of 14, 14 1/4l behind Paddy The Horse (12-2) at Boulta 3m mdn gs in Nov.

Obey The Rules (IRE) (11-11) Mid-div, 3rd aftr 8th, 2nd bef 4out, mstk 3out, brfly went 2nd bef str, 3rd bef last, kow but nt mtch wnr, 2nd of 12, shd behind Dare To Begin (12-2) at Monksgrange 3m mdn gd in Sep.

Restless Brian Brian Boru gelding out of Restless Native.

Skipness 125-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, pushed along after 4 out, soon no impression, 6th of 11, dist behind Fern Hill (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 5f (4) sft in Dec.

Tuff McCool (IRE) 250-1 (11-2) Held up, blundered 1st, headway after 3 out, pushed along but weakened before 2 out, 5th of 9, 36l behind Bareback Jack (11-8) at Catterick 2m (4) sft in Jan.

Cimetta 80-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, 11th of 12, dist behind A Large One Please (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) sft in Dec.