Verdict

BRIDLE LOANAN (NAP) is a mudlark as he showed when well supported and winning as he pleased at Lingfield last week. He's been raised 10lb but comes here with a 7lb penalty and a quick double looks on the cards. Wenceslaus won over 2m3f here in October then finished a close second over hurdles at Uttoxeter before reverting to fences and giving Agentleman 32lb and a beating at Leicester. He's an obvious threat in such good form though hasn't proved himself on the ground. Vicenzo Mio, three times a winner over hurdles, has never won in ten starts over fences but Chivers will enjoy the conditions and he ran well after a long break here ten days ago. Brother Bennett has gained both of his victories over fences on this track though not on testing ground.

Formwatch

Bridle Loanan (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Made most until before 6th, in front again next, went clear before 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating Champion Chase (10-7) by 8l, 8 ran.

Wenceslaus (GER) 11-4fav (11-11) Jumped left at times, close up, led 2 out, ridden and headed narrowly flat, rallied to lead again towards finish, ran on, won at Leicester 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Agentleman (10-0) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.

Vicenzo Mio (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, never a factor, 7th of 15, dist behind High Up In The Air (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (5) sft in Jan.

Chivers (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, good headway on outside chasing leaders approaching 9th, 2nd after 3 out until before next, 2nd again run-in, 2nd of 8, 4 1/4l behind Ramore Will (11-11) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Brother Bennett (FR) 14-1 (10-4) Towards rear, headway 5 out, pushed along after 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 6th of 7, dist behind Flaminger (12-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Beet Topper (IRE) 8-1 (10-1) Raced keenly, chased winner who went clear before 7th, lost modest 2nd before 3 out until weakened quickly before next, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Flaminger (11-8) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Remember Me Well (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Led and disputed until 10th, soon lost 2nd, chased leaders, mistake and weakened 11th, behind next, tailed off 4 out, pulled up soon after, at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (4) sft in Dec.