Verdict

Le Corvee gains narrow preference over Devil's Cap and Inherent. The former Alan King inmate isn't the most bombproof of conveyances but he probably ran up to his level last time out and a similar performance should suffice here. Devil's Cap makes a seasonal reappearance. He has shaped with some aptitude and the market will tell us plenty. Inherent has often been the medium of support so is probably better than her track form suggests. She will also be in receipt of all the allowances. Monsieur's appearances over chase fences have been disappointing. First Fought has placed against weaker opposition and may find a couple too hot. Le Corvee doesn't have too much in the way of scope but should be fit enough to see off today's rivals.

Formwatch

Beggars Cap (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Keenly in mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 33l behind Middleton Dene (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.

Champagne Rossini (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Led and soon clear, jumped right and headed 8th, weakened after 3 out, 3rd of 6, 26l behind Desert Quest (11-6) at Fakenham 2m nov chs (3) gs.

First Fought (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Prominent, led 6th, headed after 3 out, every chance 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Crathorne (11-0) at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.

Le Corvee (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, led 2 out, headed last, ridden and kept on flat, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Pseudonym (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (3) gf.

Magic Bengie 100-1 (11-1) Led, headed approaching 9th, lost place next, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Jack The Blaster (11-1) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Nov, 6 ran.

Monsieur (FR) 10-1 (11-2) Led, clear when fell 5 out in race won by Sunday City (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov, 13 ran.

Inherent (IRE) 9-4 (11-8) Raced keenly, led to 3rd, hit 4th, remained prominent, weakened after 3 out, 5th of 9, 34l behind Overbranch (10-10) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.