Verdict

SHANTY TOWN is 2lb better off than when beaten a neck by Jarlath over course and distance last month and can reverse the form. Pembroke House is often thereabouts but is only 1-20 over fences and may have to settle for a place again. Alf 'n' Dor has been racing over further this term but has only run three times over fences so may have more to offer. Baron Du Plessis is another who may need a longer trip while After Hours and Sunny Ledgend remain out of sorts.

Formwatch

Sunny Ledgend 14-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, reminders after 11th, ridden next, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up next, at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

After Hours (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Prominent, mistake 13th, beaten when hampered 2 out, 6th of 11, 31 1/2l behind The Happy Chappy (11-3) at Ludlow 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Nov.

Alf 'n' Dor (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, outpaced 6 out, went 3rd from 4 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Paddy The Oscar (10-13) at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.

Jarlath 7-2fav (11-11) Mistake 1st, tracked front pair, challenged 2 out, soon led, ridden after last, kept on under pressure flat, held on near finish, won at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Shanty Town (11-9) by nk, 9 ran.

Shanty Town (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, driven 3 out, ridden and every chance next, kept on under pressure flat, held near finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Jarlath (11-11) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Baron Du Plessis (FR) 6-1 (10-6) Mid-division, tracked leaders 10th, left 3rd at 13th, outpaced 5 out, went modest 2nd next, plugged on, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 12, 17l behind Ramses De Teillee (11-11) at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Pembroke House 18-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, mistake 6th, hit next and lost place, closed 12th, ridden after 3 out, disputing 6 lengths 2nd 2 out, closed on winner last, stayed on same pace and held in 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Compadre (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.