Verdict

Andrew Nick needs to get over a poor recent run, Quartano needs to start fulfilling his potential and Kilty Storm needs to prove that a fall last time hasn't dented his confidence; the selection is BORERO who should have more to give as he aims to defy a 3lb rise in the weights. Noel Fehily wasn't that impressed with the selection when he won at Market Rasen and nor seemingly was the handicapper who only punished him with a 3lb rise in the weights. That may underestimate him, and he is open to plenty of improvement. Methodical also won last time, whilst Sharajan and Kilty Storm both need to get over recent falls. The Sawyer has had his jumping problems in the past, whilst Quartano was not much cop over hurdles having looked a super bumper horse. Bob Bob Bobbin is well-treated on old form but his recent runs have been average at best, and so we will side with Borero to win again.

Formwatch

Macmar (FR) 40-1 (11-10) Chased leaders until 9th, towards rear, no chance when blundered 17th, 7th of 16, well behind Hello Bud (11-8) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.

Bob Bob Bobbin 14-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, not fluent 6th, challenged 11th, led 13th, headed 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 14, 17l behind Alright Now M'Lad (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.

Andrew Nick (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, reminders and outpaced when blundered 13th, weakened next, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Bellaney Jewel (10-6) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov, 13 ran.

Quartano (GER) 7-4fav (11-0) Chased clear leader, hit 3rd, ridden to lead approaching 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 12l behind The Jazz Musician (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar.

The Sawyer (BEL) 9-2 (11-11) Held up well in rear, headway and left 3rd 4 out, driven and weakened soon after 2 out, beaten when blundered last, 5th of 10, 15l behind Jim Bobs Girl (10-5) at Newbury 3m 2f amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.

Killard Point (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (10-13) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 13, 25l behind Ice Tea (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.

Sharajan (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) fell in race won by Shouldhavehadthat (11-4) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 11 ran.

Kilty Storm (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Led until 12th, well there when fell at the 14th in race won by Jim Bobs Girl (10-5) at Newbury 3m 2f amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov, 10 ran.

Borero (FR) 11-4fav (11-5) Chased leaders, reminders 8th, led 9th, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating Stagecoach Opal (10-12) by 1l, 8 ran.

Methodical 12-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, led after 4 out, hit 2 out, ran on, won at Hereford 3m 1f clm chs (3) gs beating Ya I Know (11-2) by 4l, 7 ran.