Verdict

Oh Michelle only found one too good on her debut at Ffos Las and again last time at Bangor having run in a Listed race at Huntingdon in between. She must have every chance of getting off the mark today but Nicky Henderson’s runners in bumpers here are always worthy of close inspection and PEARLESQUE is no exception. She is by prolific NH sire Martaline and a half-sister to a winning hurdler so could be the one to be on. Whatzdjazz, a daughter of Yeats, is closely related to three winning jumpers including the useful Welsh Shadow and is another newcomer to note while Majestic Moll is also bred to win races.

Formwatch

A Lasting Joy 200-1 (10-11) Towards rear, behind final 6f, tailed off, last of 14, dist behind Alfredo (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f (6) gs in Apr.

Majestic Moll (IRE) King's Theatre M out of Artist's Muse.

Oh Michelle 5-2fav (11-6) Chased leaders, 2nd over 3f out until over 2f out, 2nd again over 1f out, kept on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 15, 3l behind Arian (11-6) at Bangor 2m 1f mdn (6) sft in Dec.

Pearlesque (FR) Martaline M out of Anazeem.

Tangley 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Just A Thought (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m (6) sft in Nov.

Tiar Na Nog (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, not clear run and switched right inside final furlong, stayed on, 4th of 11, 3 3/4l behind Peggies Venture (11-3) at Lingfield 2m (6) pol in Nov.

Whatzdjazz (IRE) Yeats M out of What A Mewsment.

Lady Veronica Martaline filly out of Vineuil.

Mercian Princess (IRE) Saint Des Saints filly out of Bongo Fury.