Verdict

MON FRERE makes his handicap debut over timber having won a novice hurdle at Taunton. Paul Nicholls’ charge should go close with doubts surrounding today’s opposition. Fix Sun has something to prove on his return judged on last year’s form in handicaps while Black Mischief finished runner-up over fences back in 2019 but hasn’t raced since. A Grade 2 winner back in 2019, Reserve Tank continues to struggle but slides further down the weights.

Formwatch

Reserve Tank (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Tracked leader, ridden after 3 out, weakened when outpaced after 2 out, 5th of 8, 16 1/4l behind Havana Hermano (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in May.

Black Mischief 6-4 (11-0) Pressed sole rival, led briefly after 4th, outpaced 5 out, kept on but no chance with easy winner before next, last of 2, 13l behind Solomon Grey (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) gd in May.

Fix Sun (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Midfield, not fluent 3rd, lost ground 4 out and ridden, well beaten 2 out, no extra, 7th of 14, dist behind War Lord (11-0) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Nov.

Push The Tempo (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway on inside chasing leaders before 3 out, weakened before next, 10th of 15, dist behind Monte Cristo (11-7) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.

Mon Frere (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Tracked leader, awkward 1st, led approaching 2 out, went clear last, comfortably, won at Taunton 2m 3f (4) gf in Apr beating Ginistrelli (11-12) by 8l, 4 ran.

Peruvien Bleu (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Led in start, held up last, fell 3rd, at Kempton 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.