Verdict

IMPERIAL AURA was very effective over this trip over hurdles. He made a winning start over fences at Fakenham before finishing second to the improving Pym at Cheltenham and can concede weight all round. Despite finishing last of six finishers at Leicester, Before Midnight wasn’t beaten far and jockey booking suggest he’ll be the Henderson stable pick in this ahead of chasing debutant Dream Du Grand Val. On The Slopes continues to run well and should find a race before the season is out while Westend Story is a threat if a fall at Newbury hasn’t dented confidence. Big Chief Benny might need the run and today’s experience, however.

Formwatch

Imperial Aura (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Tracked winner, disputed lead from 14th, driven before 2 out, ridden and unable to go with winner between last 2, well held in clear 2nd from last, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Pym (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f (2) gs in Dec.

Dream Du Grand Val (FR) 14-1 (11-1) Jinked right and started slowly, took keen hold in last pair, good headway chasing leaders 4th, weakened rapidly soon after 2 out, 14th of 15, 35 1/4l behind Getaway Trump (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.

Westend Story (IRE) 9-2fav (11-1) Chased leaders, led 3rd until after 13th, chased winner until before 4 out, chased leaders until fell 3 out, at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (2) gs in Nov.

On The Slopes 9-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, hit 12th, pushed along before 3 out, went 2nd 3 out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 11, 9 1/2l behind Commanche Red (11-5) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Before Midnight 4-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway before 4 out, led after 2 out, headed run-in, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 5 1/4l behind Pistol Whipped (11-5) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp (3) gs in Dec.

Big Chief Benny (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) In touch, effort after 3 out, soon outpaced, stayed on after last, never a threat, 4th of 9, 7 3/4l behind Unison (11-12) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (2) gs in Jan.