Verdict

Le Capricieux is tried in blinkers having failed to justify favouritism at Plumpton but has slipped a further pound down the ratings. Dark Invader has disappointed since winning at Wincanton in October but Vocaliser may be coming to hand and Finnegan's Garden is a recent course and distance winner who is receiving weight all round. Ardmayle has also won over track and trip but it’s about time BROUGHTONS RHYTHM (NAP) was getting his head in front over the larger obstacles. He may well have won here in November had he not unseated his rider at the last in a race in which Savello eventually finished as runner-up.

Formwatch

Ardmayle (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Mid-division, pushed along and lost place before 5th, headway before 4 out, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 9, dist behind Sussex Ranger (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Savello (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) In rear, mistake 5 out, soon outpaced, stayed on approaching 2 out, never a threat, 4th of 8, 20 1/2l behind Cesar Collonges (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Vocaliser (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, every chance next, lost 2nd before 2 out, kept on same pace in 3rd, no extra in 4th final 75 yards, 4th of 8, 10l behind Larry (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.

Vicenzo Mio (FR) 10-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced 9th, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 35l behind Sir Egbert (12-1) at Newbury 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Paddy's Poem 12-1 (11-7) Chased leader, chased new leaders after 1st, left in lead and blundered 3rd, mistake and headed before 3 out, weakened next, 3rd of 7, 18 1/4l behind Doc Carver (11-3) at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Broughtons Rhythm 5-1 (11-11) Waited with in rear, gained a place after 5th, tracking leaders when mistake 4 out, 2nd next, ridden and one pace between last 2, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Railroad Junkie (11-11) at Taunton 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec.

Dark Invader (FR) 8-1 (11-1) In touch, headway chasing leaders 7th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 7, 23 1/4l behind Doc Carver (11-3) at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Le Capricieux (FR) 5-2fav (11-6) Held up in rear, steady headway approaching 10th, driven in 4th between last 2, kept on run-in, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 5 1/2l behind Alf 'n' Dor (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Finnegan's Garden (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Held up in last pair, headway on outside approaching 9th, 3rd and every chance when mistake 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Alf 'n' Dor (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jan.