Verdict

Messager makes his debut for Ferdy Murphy and the stable are starting to hit some form, however TOT O'WHISKEY looks solid and can beat Mill Side. The selection has made good strides over fences, including on heavy ground recently at Carlisle. A return to a slightly better surface will not be against him and the step up in trip will suit this strong-stayer. Sacred Mountain has some solid point form and has faced a couple of these before on the track; he needs to improve as he was beaten each time. Mill Side won well at the track in October but was then well-held behind Ballyfitz at Cheltenham and now has a bit to prove. As does Glengap but his yard are going well. All in all this looks another good opportunity for Tot O'Whiskey to return to winning ways.

Formwatch

Messager (FR) 11-4 (11-7) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden to lead next, held on well, won at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (5) hvy in May beating Sacred Mountain (11-9) by 1/2l, 7 ran.

Mill Side 16-1 (11-4) Close up, ridden and weakened at 15th, tailed off, 4th of 7, well behind Ballyfitz (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) sft.

Tot O'Whiskey 11-8fav (11-6) Prominent, led 3 out, driven and headed near line, 2nd of 6, hd behind Faasel (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 5f chs (2) hvy.

Glengap (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Led, headed 8f out, weakened over 3f out, 9th of 19, 47l behind Crackerjack Lad (11-4) at Wetherby 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.

Sacred Mountain 33-1 (10-12) Always behind and pulled up at the 8th in race won by Tot O'Whiskey (10-12) at Carlisle 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Oct, 8 ran.