Verdict

Witness Protection is in excellent form and was conceding the winner 7lb when narrowly beaten at Chepstow. Laskadine has taken a long time to find her feet after arriving from France where she won a Listed race but came good at Newcastle and should make a bold bid to defy a 10lb rise. Hasankey had gradually dropped to a winnable mark but is up 2lb for finishing second at Fontwell. WETLANDS, a winning bumper, showed his liking for heavy ground with a facile victory in a maiden at Ayr and, though taking on much stronger company, can complete a double.

Formwatch

Witness Protection (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Chased leader, led before 3 out, ridden when not fluent last, hard pressed flat, found more to hold 2nd towards finish, won at Chepstow 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Can You Call (10-12) by 1/2l, 11 ran.

Charmant (FR) 14-1 (11-1) Led until 8th, no extra 3 out, 4th of 5, 17 1/2l behind Ibleo (11-12) at Doncaster 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.

Countister (FR) 40-1 (10-2) Held up in mid-division, lost place 3rd, last 5th, well behind when pulled up before 3 out, at Cheltenham 2m hcp (1) sft in Nov.

Wetlands (IRE) 1-5fav (11-7) Jumped slickly, tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led after 3 out (normal 4 out), clear before 2 out, very easily, won at Ayr 2m mdn (4) hvy in Dec beating East Harlem (11-7) by 28l, 10 ran.

Hasankey (IRE) 10-1 (11-10) Always prominent, led before 3 out, clear before next, over 4 lengths ahead last, weakened and headed final 100 yards, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Gustavian (12-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.

Laskadine (FR) 11-4fav (12-2) Ridden handy, switched wide to press leaders when hit 3 out, led narrowly travelling strongly 2 out, ridden clear before last, stayed on strongly flat, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec beating Countermand (11-1) by 5 1/2l, 11 ran.

Dharan (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, jumped left and awkward 3rd, mistake and hung left 3 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 12l behind Dreams Of Home (11-5) at Wetherby 2m mdn (4) hvy in Jan.