Verdict

In a tricky race, we will shortlist Ebony Jack, Smeathe's Ridge and Il Penseroso and side with Ebony Jack. Ebony Jack was collared close home under a big weight last time and can go well in a bid to make amends here at the opposite end of the weights. Jamerosier is at least dropping to a handy mark, while McSnappy has not quite built on his fair novice chase form but cannot be ruled out at this level. Never Awol has been in good heart since November, winning twice, and his current mark should not preclude a good run. Up in trip today after being beaten under his revised mark last time, Smeathe's Ridge has to be considered, while the lighty-raced Tradingup may yet have better to come. Irish import Il Penseroso, whose last run was a hunter chase win, is another to consider, but Dun Locha Castle's revised mark for winning has seen him struggle to get his head in front. The formerly useful Galapiat du Mesniel has seen his mark plummet quickly but can't entirely be ruled out, although he was behind Smeathe's Ridge last time. The River Joker is closely weighted with Never Awol based on their Jan 6 Towcester runs, but he hasn't won since 2003. Finally, a return to his spring form would give Paddy The Optimist a big chance and Blazing Batman would also hold cliams on his spring form. In summary, it is a competitive race, with the vote going to Ebony Jack.

Formwatch

Happy Shopper (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd 5th, led 10th until fell 3 out in race won by Trenance (11-7) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Jan, 10 ran.

Never Awol (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Led, headed 2nd, led 8th, headed 11th, led 3 out, headed close home, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Heartache (10-0) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.

Smeathe's Ridge 11-10fav (10-8) In touch, led 13th to 3 out, soon ridden, every chance last, not quicken, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Nice Try (11-12) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.

Tradingup (IRE) 17-2 (10-5) Prominent, ridden along 11th, weakened approaching 5 out, 4th of 12, 21l behind Precious Bane (10-10) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.

Dun Locha Castle (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Chased winner to 8th, weakened 13th, 3rd of 12, 20l behind Precious Bane (10-10) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.

Galapiat du Mesnil (FR) 25-1 (10-11) Led to 4th, led again 7th to approaching 11th, hit 12th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Nice Try (11-12) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.

The River Joker (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 5 out, stayed on one pace, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Heartache (10-0) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.

Ebony Jack (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-1) Led to 8th, stayed tracking leaders, led before 12th, driven and headed before last, no impression, 2nd of 12, 9l behind Tallow Bay (9-7) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.