Verdict

Top Cloud is given another chance to confirm his promise in this contest, Autograph could run a big race over fences at the first time of asking whilst both Rothbury and Super Baby are respected. The selection is tried in a tongue tie following a poor display at Uttoxeter last time. He appeared to be heading the right way over fences prior to that outing and has the scope to win a race of this nature if connections have got to the bottom of his poor performance. Autograph showed a consistent level of form over hurdles over a variety of trips under a variety of conditions. She's sure to have been well schooled and her mares' allowance will come in handy. Rothbury made a satisfactory debut over fences here in January over an inadequate 2 miles. This longer trip will allow him more time at his fences and he could well build on that performance this afternoon. Super Baby also has some respectable course form to his name over fences and should see out this trip well enough on this ground; he, too may have more to offer. A few ifs and buts here but we'll take Top Cloud to bounce back to form.

Formwatch

Lockstockandbarrel (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Led, headed 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 12l behind Checkerboard (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.

Rothbury 12-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden approaching and blundered 4 out, gradually weakened, 5th of 9, 15l behind Sharp Reply (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m beg chs (4) sft in Jan.

Super Baby (FR) 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden after 4 out, weakened from next, 4th of 16, 24l behind Native Coral (11-6) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.

Top Cloud (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Held up behind leaders, ridden and weakened 13th, 5th of 6, well behind Back On Line (11-5) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.

Autograph 9-2 (11-0) Led, ridden and headed last, kept on flat, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Garryvoe (11-12) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.