Verdict

RATE OF KNOTS was capable in bumpers and over hurdles, could not have won with any more ease on her chasing bow, looks well treated for her handicap debut over the larger obstacles and Jonjo O'Neill's mare is hard to oppose, getting the vote ahead of Hermano Cordobes and Gold Heart. Alan King's gelding was there with every chance before falling three out at Wetherby last time and would have every chance if none the worse for that tumble. Stable companions That's An Idea and Moncadou are capable but will struggle to beat the selection, who looks easily the pick of Jonjo O'Neill's three runners. Charlie Mann's Borero had to work hard to win at Market Rasen in November and struggled off just a 3lb higher mark at Newbury the following month so he looks best watched now despite the continued good form of the yard. Hermano Cordobes has not progressed as much as may have been anticipated but cannot be ruled out off what seems a fair mark. Rate of Knots has an obvious chance though and she looks the one they all have to beat.

Formwatch

Moncadou (FR) 16-1 (10-8) Always towards rear, 6th of 12, 31l behind Herecomesthetruth (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.

That's An Idea (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (11-9) Led and disputed, in front when mistake 4 out, weakened, no danger when mistake last, 7th of 8, 17l behind Mantell (10-7) at Cork 2m 4f hcp chs 0-123 sft in Mar.

Maletton (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, lost place 10th, soon behind, 6th of 7, well behind Opera de Coeur (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.

Robin De Sherwood (FR) 40-1 (10-13) Mid-division , ridden 7th, tailed off, 15th of 17, well behind Greenbelt (10-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs.

Gold Heart (FR) 6-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, mistake 11th, challenging when fell 3 out in race won by Ice Tea (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 13 ran.

Rate of Knots (IRE) 7-4fav (10-0) In touch, always going well, tracked leader 2 out, led last easy, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (5) gs in Dec beating Ballyboley (10-11) by 7l, 10 ran.

Hermano Cordobes (IRE) 15-2 (11-10) Prominent, chased leader 11th, led 13th, ridden and headed approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out, 4th of 8, 30l behind Wizard of Edge (10-0) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.

Best Profile (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) In touch until weakened quickly 9th, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Saunders Road (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 16 ran.

Borero (FR) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, 4th and beaten when went right 3 out, 4th of 9, 12l behind Tricky Trickster (11-5) at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs (3) sft in Dec.