Verdict

Seaweed has done well over hurdles since joining Chris Gordon from Ireland, scoring comfortably over slightly shorter here then finding 2m3f under a penalty just beyond him at Fontwell. He makes his chasing debut but WAIKIKI WAVES (NAP) made a successful start over fences when beating stable companion Hint Of Grey at Lingfield. The runner-up will be 4lb better off with jockey bookings taken into consideration but the winner may have more improvement in him and can complete a double. By Rail battled on gamely to concede 23lb to the runner-up at Fakenham then probably found fast ground against him at Leicester when last of three. He's expected to do better but Champion Chase probably needs further.

Formwatch

Hint Of Grey (IRE) 7-4fav (12-7) Raced keenly, held up in touch in rear, headway approaching 4 out, pushed along and no impression before next, went 2nd approaching last, one pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Waikiki Waves (11-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.

Seaweed (IRE) 11-8fav (12-2) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, every chance next, weakened run-in, 3rd of 7, 13 3/4l behind Hier Encore (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Dec.

Waikiki Waves (FR) 9-1 (11-9) Raced wide, chased leaders, went 2nd briefly 4th, definite 2nd 4 out, led next, soon ridden and hung left, driven out, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Hint Of Grey (12-7) by 3l, 5 ran.

Chorus Of Lies 80-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, soon prominent, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 11, 27 1/4l behind Your Band (9-3) at Chelmsford City 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.

By Rail 4-1 (10-11) Chased leader until not fluent 4th, 2nd from 7th, led next, headed 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, last of 3, 32l behind Le Precieux (11-8) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) gf in Dec.

Champion Chase (FR) 11-2 (10-13) Prominent, not fluent 6th, ridden 2 out, weakened before last, 6th of 9, 10 1/2l behind Trooblue (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Dont Be Robin (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened after next, 9th of 16, 33 1/2l behind Silver Quay (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Jan.

Muilean Na Madog (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, lost place after 3 out, 8th of 9, 33 1/2l behind Shintori (10-9) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Dec.

Hab Sab (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Raced wide, chased leaders, pushed along in 3rd before 2 out, plugged on same pace, no chance with winner, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Generous Jack (11-6) at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Jan.