Verdict

Victor Hewgo won three times over hurdles last season, including once here. But he's already a nine-year-old and may just need this after a lengthy absence. KARINGA DANCER is being aimed at the Jewson at The Festival and will have to win this if he's to justify those lofty ambitions. He wasn't foot-perfect over this track and trip on his chasing bow but never looked like falling and won easily enough in the end. He has a turn of foot and can defy his penalty as the unexposed Western Warhorse will almost certainly need further than this in time while Walkabout Creek, another useful hurdler, hasn't taken to fences so far. My Dads Horse needed the run at Ascot in November, however, and could have a future over fences.

Formwatch

Karinga Dancer 4-5fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, in rear from 4th, challenged from 4 out, left in lead 3 out, clear before 2 out, kept on, won at Doncaster 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd in Dec beating Princely Player (11-7) by 4l, 4 ran.

My Dads Horse 12-1 (11-1) Held up 4th and last, under pressure 3 out, went remote 3rd after next, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 4, 22l behind Top Of The Range (11-1) at Ascot 2m 3f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.

Victor Hewgo 3-10fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, headway 4 out, challenged next, led approaching 2 out, 1 length clear last, driven and kept on flat, won at Newcastle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Apr beating Elmaatigra (11-0) by 5l, 12 ran.

Walkabout Creek (IRE) 9-4 (11-2) Tracked leading pair until 9th, ridden next, outpaced soon after 4 out, went remote 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 4, well behind Corrin Wood (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.

Western Warhorse (IRE) 9-2fav (11-3) Led, clear before 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last, 6th of 21, 18l behind Mickie (11-3) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Nov.