Verdict

The King Of Brega won this last year then followed up a month later on a return visit. He's run poorly over fences recently but it wouldn't be a shock to see him bounce back. Scheu Time was beaten a long way behind DE MAZZARO at Galway in October but improved next time before an impressive victory at Cork. The latter, who had been going well before that victory, ran well for a long way before falling in a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham next time and can double his winning tally. Pound A Stroke was behind Scheu Time at Cork though that was his first start since February while R'evelyn Pleasure was in very good form around this time last year and would probably be in the shake-up if getting round. The five-year-old Killacolla bounced back to form with a good run at Limerick and isn't out of this.

Formwatch

The King Of Brega (IRE) 10-1 (12-9) 10th of 16, 22l behind Turbo (12-3) at Punchestown 1m 7f sft in Nov.

Scheu Time (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Chased leader, close up briefly 2nd, 3rd halfway, improved to lead entering straight, clear 2 out, easily, won at Cork 2m hcp sft in Dec beating Goodbye Someday (10-8) by 6 1/2l, 13 ran.

Polished Steel (IRE) 50-1 (10-1) Led, ridden entering straight, headed before 2 out, weakened, 11th of 15, 33 3/4l behind Janidil (11-0) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Dec.

Like An Open Book (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, mistake 4th, progress into 7th 3 out, soon ridden, under pressure in 5th 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 14, 11l behind Something Sweet (10-1) at Thurles 2m 4f hcp Yielding - Soft in Nov.

De Mazzaro (IRE) 25-1 (10-0) Mid-division on inside, driven to chase leaders after 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th and no impression when fell last, at Cheltenham 2m hcp (1) sft in Nov.

R'evelyn Pleasure (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) In rear, reminder at 2nd, in touch in rear on outer when fell 4 out, at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in May.

Ocean Voyage (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, pushed along 3 out, no impression before 2 out, soon no extra, 10th of 13, 36 1/2l behind Brawler (9-13) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp sft in Nov.

Charle Brune (FR) 16-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, never a factor, no threat after 3 out, 13th of 17, 25 1/2l behind Blaze A Trail (10-6) at Thurles 2m 4f hcp sft in Nov.

Pound A Stroke (IRE) 12-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, 2nd halfway, disputed before straight, ridden and headed entering straight, under pressure in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 11 1/2l behind Scheu Time (11-6) at Cork 2m hcp sft in Dec.

Killacolla (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Mid-division, 4th halfway, pushed along in 3rd entering straight, ridden and no impression in 2nd 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 6 1/2l behind Father Ailbe (10-12) at Limerick 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.

Nameloc (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Settled behind leaders, slight mistake 2nd, 8th halfway, closer in 4th before 3 out, ridden in 3rd after 3 out, no extra in 5th 2 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 16, 17 3/4l behind Theatre Run (11-3) at Thurles 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Nov.