Verdict

Rich Maid needs to settle better than she did over C&D last month and looks to have little chance of reversing that form with the less-exposed Piano Concerto. Andy Turnell's charge was well backed on his debut so improvement can be expected but there are one or two newcomers in this that may have his measure. The Mumper and SHINING EMBERS both have jumping pedigrees but the latter is by Derby winner High-Rise so shouldn't be short of pace and he can enhance his trainer's terrific record in bumpers here.

Formwatch

Admiral Boom (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, effort 2f out, no impression, 8th of 9, 32l behind Open Hearted (11-2) at Ludlow 2m NH flat (5) gd in Nov.

Made In Italy (IRE) Milan gelding out of Handmade.

Mister Wychwoods 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division in touch on outside, driven over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 12th of 16, 47l behind Jigsaw Puzzle (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.

Orsm 25-1 (11-2) Held up in touch , took keen hold, pushed along 7f out, weakened 3f out, 5th of 8, 21l behind Favoured Nation (11-2) at Folkestone 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in Nov.

Piano Concerto (USA) 5-2fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway over 4f out, chased leaders over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Peintre Ster (11-4) at Lingfield 2m n h flat (6) std in Nov.

Shining Embers (IRE) High-rise gelding out of Ballykea.

The Mumper (IRE) Craigsteel gelding out of Na Moilltear.

Anabaa's Dance (IRE) Tobougg filly out of Anabaa's Music.

Just Fee 50-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, 8th of 12, 41l behind Decimus (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gf in Nov.

Rich Maid (IRE) 3-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, led over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 11l behind Peintre Ster (11-4) at Lingfield 2m n h flat (6) std in Nov.