Verdict

Silent Cliche finally got off the mark under Rules when winning narrowly over this track and trip on Boxing Day but he's now 6lb higher and the runner-up did nothing for the form earlier this week. Merchant Of Milan was second over course and distance two weeks ago but is woefully one-paced and was behind Bebinn here earlier. Despite winning easily at Ffos Las three weeks ago, DIXIE BULL (NAP) is still at the right end of the handicap. Lightly-raced for his age, he's improved for the switch to fences and can score again.

Formwatch

Cosway Spirit (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Led, jumped right at times, headed 3rd, led 6th until 7th, led 9th until 12th, weakened before 4 out, tailed off, 6th of 11, well behind Bringewood Belle (9-7) at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Apr.

Silent Cliche (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) In touch, hit 10th, headway 14th, chased leader approaching 2 out, led last, driven and all out, won at Huntingdon 3m hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Dec beating Fromthetop (10-5) by hd, 7 ran.

Merchant Of Milan 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out until after next, went 2nd before last, one pace, no impression on winner, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Arbeo (11-9) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.

Charming Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) In touch in rear, closed 11th, challenged 4 out until next, weakened well before 2 out, 4th of 6, well behind Arbeo (11-9) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.

Bebinn (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Prominent, led 4th, headed 4 out, one pace 2 out, no extra last, 3rd of 6, 25l behind Jolly Boys Outing (9-9) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Dec.

Caballo De Marcus (USA) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, chased leader 11th until 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 4, 15l behind Shinooki (11-11) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft.

Dixie Bull (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) In rear, pushed along briefly after 4th, closed 5th, challenged 12th, led before 4 out, ridden and pressed by 2 rivals when jinked right and left clear last, won at Ffos Las 3m hcp chs 0-100 (5) hvy beating Armedanddangerous (11-4) by 26l, 6 ran.

Roseneath (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, chased leader 14th, led 16th, driven and headed last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Silent Cliche (11-7) at Huntingdon 3m hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Dec.