Verdict

Media Man is vulnerable at this trip as his form figures suggest but none of his rivals are rock solid and he could achieve a first success. However, we'll take a speculative punt on debutant Cheer Us On. Media Man deserves a success following a string of consistent efforts but is opposable once again, Primus Inter Pares has won twice here but both victories came on soft ground and, although he's effective on this ground, the conditions are a concern. Tom's Toybox looked to be one to be wary of last time, Stormy Beech is too high in the weights, Cyborg De Sou on a long losing run and Ton-Chee and Royal Glen not in the best of form this term. The selection has a bit to prove as well as he's been a shade disappointing over hurdles and was tried in blinkers last time. However, he did win two bumpers, including a defeat of Treasury Counsel, so clearly has an engine and it could be that a switch to chasing will help reverse his fortunes so we'll take a chance with Cheer Us On.

Formwatch

Primus Inter Pares (IRE) 15-2 (10-7) Held up, ridden 4 out, headway approaching next, led 2 out, edged left run-in, kept on, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft beating Flake (11-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.

Tom's Toybox 11-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, one pace approaching last, 5th of 9, 12l behind Cadoulitique (10-11) at Leicester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.

Stormy Beech 14-1 (11-4) Led, ridden and headed approaching last, one pace flat, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Le Roi Rouge (11-11) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.

Cyborg De Sou (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, driven approaching last, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Le Roi Rouge (11-11) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.

Ton-Chee 16-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, outpaced when not fluent 7th, soon beaten, 8th of 9, well behind Whatcanyasay (9-9) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Dec.

Cheer Us On 7-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway 5th, effort after 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 9l behind Sculastic (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec.

Royal Glen (IRE) 18-1 (11-6) Always towards rear and fell 2 out in race won by Kalmo Bay (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd, 9 ran.

Media man (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) Led, headed after 3 out, one pace, 2nd of 9, 10l behind Loch Oscaig (11-2) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.