Verdict

Roman Court is a tentative pick over Afro Man, with Boundary House and Kohinor others in with a shout. In truth nothing appeals as a stand out selection here, but Roman Court will at least be fit enough and has a light weight. Robert Alner's eight-year-old would have needed his return here in November on what was his chase debut, and has run two fair races in defeat since. Without looking anything out of the ordinary, he is at least an improver over the bigger obstacles and as he was successful in softer conditions over hurdles, he will have no problem handling today's ground. Afro Man was the subject of support when falling here on Boxing Day and it may well be that he was still ring rusty. Successful over hurdles in 2003, he still has time to make up into a decent chaser. Boundary House had to be pulled up after losing three shoes on his return to action at Chepstow, and then duly made amends at Wincanton next time. However, he needed oxygen afterwards and if they go too fast here he may well be gasping for breath by halfway. Kohinor shaped well enough on his chase debut but is best watched, and we prefer the claims of Roman Court.

Formwatch

Special Conquest 20-1 (10-8) Led to 2nd, led again after 5th to 7th, led again 10th to 13th, jumped left 4 out, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 10, 23l behind Lord Brock (11-2) at Haydock 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.

Afro Man 3-1fav (11-12) Held up, blundered and unseated rider at the 6th in race won by Jupon Vert (11-1) at Huntingdon 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Dec, 9 ran.

Boundary House 16-1 (10-6) Held up, headway 15th, led 3 out, stayed on well, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs (4) sft beating Treasulier (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.

Wayward Melody 40-1 (9-11) Held up mid-division, headway 8th, soon ridden and weakened, 11th of 18, 50l behind Drumbeater (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Dec.

Mac Dargin (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Towards rear, some progress 12th, ridden next, beaten when mistake 4 out, 9th of 13, well behind Heartache (10-0) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.

Roman Court (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) In touch, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out, 4th of 15, 16l behind Glacial Delight (11-11) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.

Kohinor 7-1 (10-1) Held up in touch, ridden and effort 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 11, 7l behind Magic Of Sydney (10-6) at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Dec.

Kiftsgate 5-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced by leading pair approaching 3 out, 3rd of 9, 25l behind Maximinus (10-5) at Windsor 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Nov '04.