Verdict

The Herds Garden was still in touch when falling at Doncaster and could go well if that hasn’t affected his confidence. Brian Hughes has struck up a good understanding with THANKYOU VERY MUCH, who is on a hat-trick after easy wins at Musselburgh and Leicester. The mare has another 7lb to carry here but she already has a good strike rate over fences and is still receiving weight all round. Nine Altars hasn’t really fired since returning from a break but is still preferred to Alan Swinbank’s pair Virnon and Deep Resolve.

Formwatch

The Herds Garden 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, fell 4th, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Dec.

Virnon 10-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 3 out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Clan Legend (11-11) at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Deep Resolve (IRE) 11-1 (9-6) In rear, headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, never a factor, 4th of 7, 22l behind High Command (9-7) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Nine Altars (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Led, headed 10th, weakened before last, 6th of 9, 12 3/4l behind Volvalien (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.

Christmas Twenty (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) With leader, pushed along before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 31 1/4l behind Go West Young Man (11-10) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May.

Thankyou Very Much 1-2fav (11-7) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd on long run to 4 out, challenged 2 out, led approaching last, pushed clear run-in, readily, won at Leicester 2m hcp (4) fm in Dec beating Nefyn Bay (11-10) by 11l, 3 ran.