Verdict

Magic Dancer won here last season and was successful on his reappearance at Cheltenham. He didn’t run up to that form last time at Hereford but the quicker going today is probably a plus. QUOI DE NEUF also looks to have conditions in his favour and is 7lb lower than when third in this last year. Rose Sea Has never seems to run a bad race while Jobesgreen Lad is on a hat-trick after scoring over course and distance in December, though is upped in class. Herbiers didn’t show a lot on his chasing bow and is handicapped on his hurdles form.

Formwatch

Herbiers (FR) 17-2 (11-10) Towards rear, hampered by faller 5 out, soon pushed along, tailed off 3 out, 5th of 8, 37 1/2l behind Haddex Des Obeaux (11-2) at Doncaster 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.

Neville's Cross (IRE) 25-1 (11-13) Held up in rear, gained a place at 9th, never involved, tailed off, 5th of 7, dist behind Quick Draw (10-9) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Magic Dancer 6-1 (11-2) In touch in rear, headway 2 out(normal 3 out), kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 25 3/4l behind Equus Dancer (11-2) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Quoi De Neuf (FR) 12-1 (11-3) Held up and off the pace, good headway on inside chasing leaders before 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 9, 11 1/4l behind Forever William (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.

Kauto The King (FR) 14-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, hampered 1st, headway into midfield before 6th, pushed along before 3 out, no extra from 2 out, 3rd of 7, 9 3/4l behind Not Available (11-2) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.

Rose Sea Has (FR) 11-2 (12-2) Prominent, led 3 out, ridden before last, headed flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Galop De Chasse (12-0) at Hereford 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Jobesgreen Lad 10-3 (11-9) Tracked leaders, left 2nd 10th, not fluent 13th, led before 4 out, clear last, stayed on, won at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Judex Lefou (10-7) by 3 1/4l, 10 ran.