Verdict

Gallik Dawn is on a retrieval mission on his return and gets the vote over Migwell, Misty Future and Lease Back. Gallik Dawn was in terrific form last May, winning two of his three starts that month, and certainly lost no caste in defeat in failing to defy a 15lb rise at Uttoxeter on what was his final start of the year. The eight-year-old starts the year on a new high, but lines up fresh and is reported to have worked well at home. With Mick Fitzgerald on board again, he can come back with a bang. Migwell has topweight to overcome on what is only his second outing over fences, but he appears to be the type to progress and should give a good account. Misty Future can boast more experience, and looks set to run well after finishing runner-up at Folkestone on what was only his second outing of the current campaign. Lease Back had winning form over fences in France but will no doubt come on for his reappearance, while Noble Baron is much more exposed. Plenty in with a shout then, and our vote goes to Gallik Dawn.

Formwatch

Migwell (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Disputed lead, led after 3 out, headed last, rallied and led near finish, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (D) gd in Dec beating Pardishar (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.

Va Vavoom (IRE) 20-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, closer order 11th, mistake next, ridden to chase leader when mistake 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 13, 26l behind Joaaci (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.

Hussard Collonges (FR) 16-1 (11-6) Held up in touch, effort 10th, soon weakened pulled up at the 11th in race won by Kerry Lads (11-6) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft, 9 ran.

Misty Future 14-1 (11-11) Led, headed after 3rd, stayed prominent, 3rd and beaten when hampered last, 2nd of 15, 3l behind Glacial Delight (11-11) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.

Lease Back (FR) Evensjt-fav (11-0) Prominent, headway to lead 7th, clear on bit 3 out, easily, won at N Abbot 2m 6f nh nov hdl (E) gs in May beating Boulevardofdreams (11-2) by 12l, 7 ran.

Gallik Dawn 2-1fav (11-13) Held up, headway 13th, ridden and every chance 2 out, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Merry Path (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in May.

Noble Baron 13-2 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden and effort approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out, 8th of 15, 44l behind Nas Na Riogh (11-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.

Magic of Sydney (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Prominent, jumped slowly 9th, outpaced when hit 4 out, no danger after, 4th of 10, 25l behind Sonevafushi (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.