Verdict

There would have been very little between OVERTOWN EXPRESS and Baby King were this being contested over hurdles but the former has had the experience of a couple of runs over the larger obstacles, showing promise on both occasions, so that could give him the edge today over Tom George’s chasing debutant. Theatre Flame was placed a couple of times in the summer but would probably need to improve to figure. However, A Little Magic left previous form behind when successful at Huntingdon, though steps up a grade off a 6lb higher mark. Upsanddowns is having his ninth run over fences but still looks the pick of his stable’s two entries.

Formwatch

Overtown Express (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Mistake 1st, held up well in rear, in last pair after 10th, tracking leaders 11th, driven along in 4th after 3 out, closing when hit 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 4th of 15, 7 1/2l behind Poker School (10-3) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.

Baby King (IRE) 5-2fav (11-6) Held up in touch, raced wide from 6 out until 4 out, left 3rd from last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 8 1/4l behind Clyne (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Nov.

Theatre Flame (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Chased leader until pushed along before 2 out, chased leaders, weakened between last two, 7th of 10, 11l behind Darebin (11-4) at Lingfield 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Polkarenix (FR) 50-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, behind 9th, 9th of 14, dist behind Gino Trail (11-6) at Haydock 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

A Little Magic (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, made all, clear until hit 5th, edged right flat, stayed on, won at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Double Treasure (10-10) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.

Prussian Eagle (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Tracked leader until 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 6th of 8, 28l behind Limited Reserve (10-1) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Upsanddowns (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Tracked winner until blundered and lost 2nd 3 out, ridden and weakened before next, 5th of 7, 20 1/4l behind Back By Midnight (10-12) at Sandown 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.