Verdict

SHANTOU FLYER landed the odds in this two years ago by 23 lengths. He finished third in last season’s Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir at Cheltenham and is a cut above these. Midnight Cowboy has won three times over fences but not since 2017. However, he may be the one for forecast-backers ahead of Desire De Joie, who has also seen recent action between the flags.

Formwatch

Shantou Flyer (IRE) 4-9fav (12-1) Led, pushed clear before 2 out, headed last, tried to rally run-in, always held, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Law Of Gold (11-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f (6) gd in May.

Desire De Joie (FR) 3-1 (12-0) Led to 3; led aft 2 out; comf, won at Charing 3m gd in Feb beating Ballintara (12-0) by 2l, 6 ran.

Midnight Cowboy 5-2 (12-5) (cp) hdwy 11; chall 3 out; outpcd flat, 2nd of 3, 6l behind Tullys Touch (12-5) at Horseheath 3m gd in Jan.

Sulu Magic 25-1 (12-0) (h) prom til wknd qckly 15; pu nxt, at Chaddesley Corbett 3m sft in Dec.

Megaboost (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) (bl) lost plce 7; wl bhnd 12; t.o & pu 3 out, at Horseheath 3m mdn gd in Jan.