Verdict

This looks less competitive than the previous division and FORTAMOUR can take advantage. Representing last year’s winning yard, Ben Haslam’s charge ran well enough for fourth in a higher grade contest over course and distance on his handicap debut and has the most scope of these ahead of Kind Review. The latter debuts on the all-weather and hasn’t raced since July while Insurplus has been competing over a mile here since scoring over track and trip back in September and is preferred to Chosen World, who was still well beaten when third at the track last time though finished ahead of Kentuckyconnection. Elixsoft ran well at Southwell on her debut for a new yard and looks best of the rest.

Formwatch

Howzer Black (IRE) 11-2 (9-3) Slow into stride, raced wide close up in rear, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 18 1/2l behind Suitcase 'n' Taxi (8-13) at Southwell 7f hcp (4) pol in Jan.

Fortamour (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Mid-division far side of group, headway chasing leaders 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 2l behind Northernpowerhouse (9-0) at Newcastle 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.

The Game Of Life 25-1 (9-7) Steadied start, always towards rear, 8th of 9, 12 3/4l behind Ghaith (9-4) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Reaver (IRE) 66-1 (9-7) Held up, pushed along 2f out, no impression, 11th of 14, 11 3/4l behind Vive La Difference (9-3) at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Kentuckyconnection (USA) 10-1 (9-2) Awkward start, held up, headway over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 14, 10 1/2l behind Valley of Fire (9-2) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Elixsoft (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, headway to chase winner 2f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Robero (9-6) at Southwell 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Insurplus (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Towards rear, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 14, 5 1/2l behind Vive La Difference (9-3) at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Chosen World 11-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on into 3rd, never nearer, 3rd of 14, 7 1/2l behind Valley of Fire (9-2) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.

Kind Review 8-1 (9-5) Broke well, prominent, effort when not clear run over 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Firsteen (8-6) at Redcar 7f hcp (5) gf in Jul.

Dutch Pursuit (IRE) 33-1 (9-5) Dwelt in touch, ridden and weakened approaching final furlong, 13th of 14, 11 3/4l behind Vive La Difference (9-3) at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.