Verdict

Plantagenet, four times a winner over hurdles, returned to fences at Taunton where he made all over 2m7f. He attempted to do the same over an extra 3f at Doncaster but had no extra when headed 2 out. Midnight Bliss showed little over timber early in her career but has really found her form since tackling bigger obstacles, winning four times between the flags and three from five starts over regulation fences. She fought out a tremendous battle with Cucklington and Robinroyale over the trip at Fontwell and, though only getting the upper hand at the finish, should be capable of confirming the form. Warren Greatrex tries SANDHURST LAD in blinkers after his close third over slightly shorter at Chepstow. Today's longer trip should suit and he's taken to get off the mark. Royals And Rebels pops up occasionally and his last victory was from a higher mark.

Formwatch

Plantagenet 11-8fav (11-3) Led, jumped right, headed 7th, led 9th, headed 10th, led after 11th, headed and pecked 2 out, no impression on winner last, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Special Prep (11-5) at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Jan.

Cucklington 4-1fav (11-12) Chased leaders on outside, pushed along in 4th place when hit 4 out, went 3rd 2 out, ridden before the last, hung left under pressure run-in, went 2nd and closed towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Midnight Bliss (11-3) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Sandhurst Lad (IRE) 5-2fav (12-2) Chased leaders on inside, led 4th, headed before mistake 4 out, lost 2nd next, 2nd again 2 out every chance last, lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Top And Drop (11-5) at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Robinroyale (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Led until 2nd, with leader, mistake 6th, led again before 8th, driven last, headed and no extra run-in, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Midnight Bliss (11-3) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan.

Midnight Bliss 5-1 (11-3) With leader, led 2nd until before 8th, pressed leader, ridden to lead again run-in, held on, won at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Cucklington (11-12) by 1/2l, 8 ran.

Royals And Rebels (IRE) 10-1 (12-1) Mid-division, closed on inside 9th, lost place after 11th, effort 3 out, went 3rd after 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Some Finish (10-2) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (5) gs in Jan.

For Carmel (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) Prominent, led 4th, hit 10th, headed next, weakening when mistake 4 out, soon pulled up, at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.