Verdict

Tara Bridge hasn’t won since landing the 2018 renewal of this when beating FINNEGAN’S GARDEN (NAP). But the latter has improved since and has now won three of six starts over these fences having scored over track and trip earlier in the month. He’s upped 6lb for that success but looks to have stronger form than Bridle Loanan’s recent win in a novices’ handicap here for which he’s been raised 10lb. Go Steady also won a novices' handicap at Leicester last month though today’s testing ground looks a worry for him while Delface went close at Hereford in November but returned a disappointing favourite at Leicester last time

Formwatch

Finnegan's Garden (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd 5th until 7th, challenged 9th, soon led, clear 3 out, pushed out, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating The Gipper (11-4) by 4 1/4l, 4 ran.

Bridle Loanan (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Made most until before 6th, in front again next, went clear before 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating Champion Chase (10-7) by 8l, 8 ran.

Delface (FR) 2-1fav (11-12) Jumped left, led until after 2nd, led 3rd, headed 4 out, weakened approaching last, 7th of 8, 35 1/2l behind Little Light (12-0) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Tara Bridge 13-2 (12-1) Led until 3 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened soon after, 6th of 8, 25 3/4l behind Ramore Will (11-11) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Arian (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Held up, headway 5th, chased leaders next, effort 3 out, no extra last, 3rd of 8, 14 3/4l behind Billingsley (11-8) at Hereford 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Go Steady 5-4fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, took closer order before 8 out, led before 4 out, ridden before 2 out, just held on last stride, won at Leicester 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Donatello Mail (11-12) by ns, 6 ran.

Vocaliser (IRE) 17-2 (11-0) Led 2nd, jumped left next, not fluent 10th, not fluent and headed 11th, weakened 4 out, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 6, dist behind Adman Sam (11-9) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.