Verdict

Earl Grez has more scope than most of these and showed his best form on his first start over the minimum trip over this C&D last week. He can improve and take a hand but a long absence doesn't appear to be a problem for PROFESSOR HIGGINS so he can take this despite not being seen since last March. Ideally suited by good ground, his victory at Kempton in October 2009 sets the standard here and he's only raced twice subsequently. Le Roi Rouge would be better with a stiffer test of stamina and a bigger threat may emerge in the shape of Wessex King, who is useful when getting his jumping together but has been blighted by serious errors in recent starts. Carrietau generally performs well around here but may be a few pounds high at present.

Formwatch

Le Roi Rouge (FR) 5-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, niggled approaching 6th, headway after 3 out, kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Sibenek (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov.

Wessex King (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Led, joined 4 out, headed narrowly but still every chance when blundered badly and unseated rider next, in a race won by Medermit (11-2) at Aintree 2m nov chs (3) gs in Oct, 3 ran.

Professor Higgins (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 11th, ridden and no impression from 2 out, 4th of 10, 18l behind Salut Flo (11-2) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.

Carrietau 8-1 (11-4) Led and soon clear, pushed along and headed after 5 out, soon weakened, last of 7, 44l behind Riguez Dancer (11-12) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.

Silver Steel (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on inside, mistake and reminders 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced, went 3rd after next, kept on same pace, never on terms, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Bromhead (11-5) at Southwell 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs.

Schinken Otto (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Held up in touch and keen, weakened from 4 out, 5th of 7, 27l behind War Party (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.

Earl Grez (FR) 33-1 (10-9) Chased leaders and keen, led 7th, headed approaching 2 out, soon led again, ridden and headed after last, lost 2nd place when no extra towards finish, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Heavenly Chorus (10-13) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.