Verdict

This looks a wide-open handicap, though Katy Royal will need to improve on recent form to take a hand in the finish. Lady Mix had a cracking chance yesterday at Bangor and a second race in two days is unlikely. Callum Bewley rode a high-profile double at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day and his 3lb claim will come in handy on TOTAL ASSETS, who is a credit to Simon Waugh and his team and will appreciate the switch back to hurdles. Dark Sunset returned to form at Doncaster last month and Naranja is capable of further improvement now she’s got her head in front. Pennywell was second at Fakenham after winning at Uttoxeter but may be a few pounds too high now.

Formwatch

Total Assets 13-2 (10-7) Always towards rear, headway before 3 out, kept on and no impression, 5th of 9, 5 3/4l behind Delusionofgrandeur (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (3) gs in Nov.

Dark Sunset (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, stayed on approaching last, led flat, driven out, won at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec beating Big Penny (11-12) by 2l, 6 ran.

Naranja 4-5fav (10-12) Awkward 1st, led until dived and headed 4out, chased leader, led again before the last, came clear run-in, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Nov beating Miss Adventure (10-12) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.

Lady Mix 25-1 (11-2) Pressed leader, driven to lead before 3 out, soon ridden, not fluent next, headed narrowly last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Dark Sunset (11-1) at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec.

Katy Royal 9-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, ridden before 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 18 1/2l behind Buckle Street (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (4) gs in Dec.

Pennywell (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Held up, headway approaching 2 out, soon pressed winner, ridden and kept on one pace, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Minella Gathering (10-8) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.