Verdict

Milan Deux Mille is thrown in on his best form but has clearly had his problems over the last few years and would probably prefer a longer trip. He would take all the beating, however, if David Pipe has him anywhere his best. But we'll give RUSSIAN SONG another chance back over hurdles. He appears to have lost his confidence over fences but isn't badly treated over the smaller obstacles and this probably won't take much winning. Just One Thing blotted his copybook at Taunton last month, while Tom O'Tara has twice run poorly since finishing second at Warwick in November and his stable is going through a quiet spell.

Formwatch

Freddy's Star (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Held up in 4th until after 4th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 6th, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Pennellis (11-7) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Nov, 9 ran.

Drussell (IRE) 40-1 (11-10) Towards rear, headway to dispute modest 5th approaching 2 out, never a danger, 6th of 16, 32l behind Mic's Delight (11-9) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.

Tom O'Tara 4-1fav (10-0) Mistake 1st, in rear, headway into mid-division approaching 3 out, chased leaders when not much room on bend before next, soon ridden and carried head high, weakened after 2 out, 7th of 12, 38l behind Warne's Way (11-8) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.

Russian Song (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Towards rear, not fluent 4th, hit 6th, pulled up before 7th, in a race won by Brenin Cwmtudu (10-8) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft, 12 ran.

Dune Shine 33-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, never a factor, 14th of 16, 34l behind Pilgreen (11-6) at Ffos Las 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.

Just One Thing (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Took keen hold, chased leaders, weakened 5th, soon tailed off, 12th of 14, well behind Marleno (10-12) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.

Silent Jo (JPN) 9-1 (11-9) Towards rear for most, no impression from before 3 out, 13th of 18, 41l behind Tawrific Laois (10-4) at Thurles 2m 2f hcp hdl 80-95 sft in Nov.

Salybia Bay 20-1 (11-5) Prominent, took keen hold, close 2nd when not fluent 2 out, 4th and beaten when not fluent last, weakened flat, 4th of 8, 13l behind Time To Think (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy.

Milan Deux Mille (FR) 50-1 (9-11) Chased leaders until blundered 8th, soon weakened, 17th of 29, well behind Irish Raptor (10-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gd in Apr '09.

Stir On The Sea (IRE) 22-1 (10-5) Led and keen, headed approaching and in 4th and weakening when brought down 6th by faller, in a race won by If I Had Him (10-12) at Taunton 2m 1f sell hdl (5) gd in Nov, 12 ran.