Verdict

These veteran’s chases are notoriously difficult to predict but LE ROCHER has acquitted himself well since returning from a lay-off and can add a victory to placed efforts at Wincanton and Sandown. Joe Farrell would have decent claims if fully wound-up and Horatio Hornblower was on the heels of the leaders when unseating his rider in the final of last year’s series at Sandown when on a hat-trick. Theatre Guide finished third in that race, ahead of Dark Flame, so can’t be ignored while Singlefarmpayment is having a first run in a race of this nature and would be a threat to all if Jonathan Burke can persuade him to put his best foot forward.

Formwatch

Virgilio (FR) 33-1 (11-12) Towards rear, struggling from 6th, 8th of 10, dist behind Cervaro Mix (10-9) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Feb.

Joe Farrell (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway on outside chasing leaders 12th, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous after, 7th of 24, 17 1/4l behind De Rasher Counter (11-1) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (1) gs in Nov.

Le Rocher (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway chasing leaders before 3 out, ridden and plugged on in modest 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Deise Aba (10-7) at Sandown 3m hcp (2) sft in Feb.

Singlefarmpayment 7-2fav (11-9) Held up in rear, steady headway from 14th, lots place 18th, headway approaching 3 out, lost place before 2 out, 7th of 10, 28 3/4l behind Doing Fine (10-7) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) sft in Jan.

Theatre Guide (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway tracking leaders 15th, close 3rd bypassing omitted 3 out, went 3rd final 100 yards, stayed on well towards finish, 3rd of 14, 1/4l behind Jepeck (11-0) at Sandown 3m hcp (2) sft in Jan.

Strong Pursuit (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Led and set strong pace, clear with rival, reduced lead 11th (water), reached for 14th and headed, lost 2nd and weakening when mistake 4 out, 6th of 10, 36 1/4l behind Copperhead (11-11) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Horatio Hornblower (IRE) 11-1 (10-7) Chased leaders until blundered and unseated rider 16th, at Sandown 3m hcp (2) sft in Jan.

Dark Flame (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) Mid-division, headway chasing leaders when badly hampered 16th, outpaced on long run after 18th, plugged on, 5th of 14, 7 1/2l behind Jepeck (11-0) at Sandown 3m hcp (2) sft in Jan.

Antony (FR) 11-4fav (11-7) Held up in rear, jinked left 3rd, mistake and unseated rider next, at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Jan.