Verdict

Arthington defied a penalty in a similar contest over track and trip three weeks ago. He’s now won three times but has to concede weight to his six rivals in this, though regular partner Kevin Jones again takes off 5lb. DESTRIER ran green here last month but was still well on top at the finish. After just two career starts, who can only improve further so is preferred to Warwick winner Harefield, though he is progressing and is a danger. Former pointer Clash Of D Titans should make a jumper but may not have the pace for this.

Formwatch

Arthington 3-1 (11-8) Towards rear, headway before 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, led 2 out, kept on well, won at Leicester 2m (3) sft in Dec beating Brianstorm (10-12) by 2l, 9 ran.

Destrier (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, headway 3 out, switched right before 2 out, challenged last, led and edged right flat, driven out, won at Leicester 2m (3) gs in Nov beating Doc Carver (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.

Harefield (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) Held up in touch, led 2 out, ran a little green in front, stayed on well, clear towards finish, won at Warwick 2m (4) gs in Nov beating Shanroe Saint (10-12) by 3 3/4l, 12 ran.

Clash Of D Titans (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 7 3/4l behind Moonlighter (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f (6) sft in Dec.

Johnny Yuma (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In touch, soon tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, dist behind Arthington (11-8) at Leicester 2m (3) sft in Dec.

Voodoo Doll (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden after 2 out, weakened before last, 7th of 11, 13 1/2l behind Diese Des Bieffes (10-12) at Taunton 2m (4) gd in Nov.

Wahwonaisa 50-1 (10-12) Not fluent, always in rear, went badly right 4 out, veered badly right and unseated rider soon after, at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Nov.