Verdict

Dan's Quest has no form to go on but the remaining trio have claims. Nightline has a penalty for his victory over 2m4f at Southwell but appeared likely to be suited by dropping back to this trip. Masterplan, a winner of a point-to-point and a bumper, hasn't taken to hurdles so far but has competed at a higher level though the overall form of ISLAND CONFUSION should just give him the edge. Lucinda Russell's charge showed he was suited to these conditions when landing a bumper at Ayr and has been narrowly beaten in both starts over timber.

Formwatch

Nightline 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, led before next, driven flat, just held on, won at Southwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft beating Veripek (11-0) by nk, 8 ran.

Dan's Quest 100-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 11th of 18, well behind Aso (10-12) at Warwick 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.

Island Confusion (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 4th, joined 3 out, ridden next, headed flat, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Kingfisher Creek (11-0) at Newcastle 2m (5) sft in Nov.

Masterplan (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up and behind, pushed along in 6th before 2 out, never on terms, 5th of 10, 22l behind Caracci Apache (10-12) at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) sft.