Verdict

Kalou lines up in better form than most here and has leading claims, with Montys Island, Angel Delight and Brave Lord taken to shape better than they have done of late. Based on recent form, Kalou has a great chance of going one better than when a strong-finishing second to Moment Of Madness at Catterick 19 days ago. He stayed on to good effect that day under Tom Greenall and the leading amateur will fancy his chances over this longer trip today. That was only Kalou's third start over fences and the German-bred is definitely going the right way so is the one to beat. Montys Island was disappointing at Taunton last time but was an unlucky second at the west-country track in November after whipping round at the start, so should be in the shake-up if he can reproduce that running. Angel Delight may benefit from the drop back in trip after failing to last out on both of her previous outings, including here third over three miles here on 28 January. Brave Lord is a big, slow maturing sort who makes his chase debut today so is best watched, although he is sure to be well placed by connections in time. The rest make little appeal, and it is Kalou who holds all the aces.

Formwatch

Montys Island (IRE) 11-1 Held up last, ridden 8th, soon weakened and pulled up 3 out in race won by Laskari at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-110 (D) gs in Jan, 11 ran.

Kalou (GER) 25-1 Held up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Moment of Madness at Catterick 2m nov chs (E) gs.

Lucky Do (IRE) 20-1 Held up, headway 3rd, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 15, well behind Penny's Crown at Hereford 2m 3f sll hdl (G) sft.

Angel Delight 11-1 Prominent, mistake 1st, ridden after 13th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Pewter Light at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft, 13 ran.

Vanishing Dancer (SWI) 12-1 Always towards rear, 6th of 7, 30l behind Ghadames at Leicester 2m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft.

Brave Lord (IRE) 40-1 Made most to 4 out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, well behind Indy Mood at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft in Jan.

Dante's Porridge (IRE) 6-1 Tracked leader, led 6th, headed after 5 out, weakening when fell at the 9th in race won by Vulcan Lane at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft, 8 ran.

Dark Shadows 25-1 In touch, hit 10th and 12th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Place Above at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Jan, 7 ran.

Proper Poser (IRE) 100-1 Held up, lost touch 7th, mistake 8th, tailed off when pulled up at the 9th in race won by Meggie's Beau at Leicester 2m 7f mdn chs (E) gs, 8 ran.

Schoolhouse Walk 33-1 Chased leaders, behind when weakening approaching 4 out and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Courage Under Fire at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd, 8 ran.

Tipp Top (IRE) 11-1 Held up, hit 6th, hit 11th, weakened from 5 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Menphis Beury at Doncaster 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Jan, 8 ran.