Verdict

Polar Gunner lines up in form and can beat Only Words, Mr Bigglesworth, and the Irish raider Clearly Now in an interesting contest. Malcolm Jefferson's charge has been profitable to follow over fences this season, his latest success coming in a small field at Bangor a fortnight ago. Having won that last race off a mark of 92, the switch back to hurdles sees him line up on a rating of 86, and with his claimer taking a further seven-pounds off, he looks well treated here. Only Words was successful here just over a year ago and showed signs of a return to form when second at Sedgefield recently. The ground was very heavy that day, and he will appreciate today's underfoot conditions more. Ex-New Zealand horse Mr Bigglesworth is going the right way judged on his latest Uttoxeter effort and should not be ruled out despite topweight, while Irish raider Clearly Now is sure to be ready despite his lengthy absence. He was a good second at Fairyhouse in July and any money for him would inspire confidence. Polar Gunner is fit and well treated though, so there is no reason why he should not be the one to be on.

Formwatch

Mr Bigglesworth (NZ) 11-2 Held up and keen, headway 7th, every chance from 2 out, ridden last, ran on, 2nd of 13, nk behind Impulsive Bid at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft in Feb.

Gofagold 13-2 In touch, headway to chase leaders 4th, ridden to lead 3 out, not fluent, soon headed, mistake last, one pace, 5th of 9, 6l behind Jolika at Ayr 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) hvy in Feb.

Worlaby Dale 40-1 Behind, weakened from 4 out, 6th of 14, 27l behind Supreme Leisure at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.

Only Words (USA) 8-1 Towards rear, pushed along approaching 3 out, headway under pressure next, stayed on flat, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Jaccout at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) sft in Feb.

Bob's Buster 15-2 Held up in rear, hampered 3rd, hit 5 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Silk Trader at Doncaster 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs in Dec.

Polar Gunner 2-1fav With leader, led 9th, clear approaching 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Feb beating Baie des Singes by 9l, 5 ran.

Diamond Vein 33-1 Led, headed 5th, weakened next, pulled up before 3 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Assumetheposition at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) hvy in Feb, 15 ran.

Gamma-Delta (IRE) 25-1 In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Majlis at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (G) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.

We'll Meet Again 12-1 Held up in rear, hampered 4th, no danger after, 7th of 10, well behind Top Style at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) sft in Feb.

Signed And Dated (USA) 10-1 Chased leaders, lost place approaching 5th, headway after 4 out, challenged approaching next, soon ridden, weakened run-in, 3rd of 15, 3l behind Assumetheposition at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) hvy in Feb.

Northern Minster 16-1 Always towards rear and pulled up at the last in race won by Torkinking at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gs in Jan, 13 ran.

Clearly Now (IRE) 8-1 Held up in rear, improved before five out, chased leader from four out, no impression, 2nd of 10, 12l behind Timeless Spirit at Fairyhouse 3m hcp hdl gf in Jul.