Verdict

Casa Tall last won two years ago off a mark of 118 and he's 20lb lower here. ABAYA DU MATHAN has won eight times over fences and almost made it nine when beaten a short-head at Hereford on his first start for new connections. He ran very well in a better race at Doncaster next time and looks the one to beat. Hokelami changed hands after winning a selling hurdle in April but jumped poorly on his chasing debut at Market Rasen last month. Dual hurdles winner Higgs is 0-9 over fences while Howyouplaythegame has never won but the latter led until almost on the line at Doncaster last time and should make a bold bid. Lonimoss Bareliere is 0-30.

Formwatch

Casa Tall (FR) 11-2 (11-9) Mid-division on outside, headway under pressure 2 out, every chance when almost upsides last, no extra flat and dropped to rear, last of 6, 4l behind Travail D'Orfevre (11-11) at Carlisle 2m hcp (5) sft in Oct.

Abaya Du Mathan (FR) 7-2 (10-9) Tracked winner, ridden 2 join winner 2 out, stayed on one pace flat, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Cartonne (11-10) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Nov.

Hokelami (FR) 9-2 (11-11) In rear, cajoled along at times, well behind when pulled up before 3 out, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Nov.

Higgs (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Prominent, slow 1st, chased leaders from 3rd, mistake 6th, lost place 11th, soon struggling, pulled up before 2 out, at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in May.

Howyouplaythegame (FR) 28-1 (11-1) Jumped right, led ridden 2 out, hung left and headed towards finish, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Loudspeaker (10-2) at Doncaster 2m hcp (5) gd in Nov.

Lonimoss Bareliere (FR) 14-1 (10-2) In touch, ridden and weakened 4 out, pulled up last, at Ludlow 2m hcp (5) gs in Nov.