Verdict

Nike Walker is impossible to oppose here with Armagh South and Star Double rating the main dangers. The selection won with plenty in hand when beating Oiseau de Nuit last time out and although having a penalty for that success he still looks ahead of the handicapper and under conditions that suit he should prove too strong. Armagh South rates the main danger as he won well last time when beating Follow The Bear but this looks tougher and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Star Double has conditions to suit but looks opposable under top weight. Of the remainder, Ember Dancer is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but for the winner we return to Nike Walker who has rock solid claims.

Formwatch

Star Double (ITY) 11-4 (11-9) Chased leaders, lost place after 3rd, weakened before next, 7th of 10, 34l behind Paddy's Tern (10-10) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft.

Mr Shambles 14-1 (10-11) Chased leader, blundered 3rd, hit 5th, weakened soon after 2 out, tailed off when blundered last, last of 9, well behind William Bonney (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hcp hdl (3) hvy in Jan.

It Happened Out (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) In rear, behind when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Milan Deux Mille (11-6) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.

Ember Dancer 14-1 (11-3) Held up when fell in race won by Final Bid (11-3) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft, 20 ran.

Armagh South (IRE) 9-2 (10-3) Raced wide, held up in close 5th, mistake 3rd, went 2nd going well soon after 3 out, led well before 2 out, went left last, driven out, won at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Nov beating Follow The Bear (11-0) by 1/2l, 5 ran.

Nike Walker (FR) 4-1fav (11-3) Held up, headway 4th, led after 3 out, drew clear approaching last, easily, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl (5) sft beating Oiseau de Nuit (11-12) by 12l, 19 ran.