Verdict

In an ultra-tight handicap to close things out we'll take a chance on SPECIAL CUVEE who offered much encouragement when only just beaten by the re-opposing Positivity last time and with the latter carrying extra weight this time that form can be reversed with Almahaza the possible fly in the ointment. An infrequent scorer the pick was denied by less than a length last time over course and distance. He races off the same mark and on the pick of his form should be more than capable of scoring at this level. Positivity was all out to claim his second win in three starts when getting the better of the pick on nine days ago. He has three pounds extra to carry this time and that might make all the difference. Almahaza is two wins from six starts at this venue and was only narrowly denied on his last start. He seems to go well after a little break so if building on that run in December he looks a live player. Business Class makes some appeal after he was fancied to score on his last start but Special Cuvee looks weighted to reverse the form on his main rival.

Formwatch

Jonnie Skull (IRE) 33-1 (8-1) Soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 11, 11l behind Ocean Legend (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.

Island Chief 5-1 (8-6) With leaders, every chance over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 14l behind Rioliina (8-2) at Leicester 7f clm stks (5) gf in Oct.

West End Lad 25-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 10, 7l behind General Tufto (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Jan.

Business Class (BRZ) 4-1fav (8-13) Prominent, led 3f out, hard ridden, hung left from 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Elusive Fame (9-2) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Nov.

Almahaza (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) Dwelt, held up in mid-division, on inside, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance when hung left from over 1f out, not quicken towards finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Topcroft (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.

Special Cuvee 6-1 (9-4) Behind, under pressure halfway, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Positivity (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.

Fathey (IRE) 10-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, hard ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 17, 6l behind Markhesa (8-5) at Leicester 7f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gd in Oct.

Positivity 7-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, driven over 2f out, hard ridden and kept on under pressure to lead well inside final furlong, all out, won at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs beating Tomintoul Star (8-12) by nk, 10 ran.

Rub of The Relic (IRE) 20-1 (8-4) Prominent, driven to lead over 3f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 8l behind Positivity (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.