Verdict

DECIMUS is the obvious one in that he made a very pleasing debut at Taunton back in early November and looked a sure improver. He hasn't been seen since but there's every reason to suggest that he can improve on that first run and is taken to concede weight to some interesting rivals. Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have excellent strike rates of 30 and 25 per cent respectively in these contests in the last five years and unveil potentially useful sorts in Atlantic Roller and Follow The Facts. The former cost 66,000euros for a long-time patron of the yard, whilst the latter is the latest offspring of Henderson's splendid mare, Fiddling The Facts, to make it to the racecourse. The market should provide a valuable guide to their chances with the latter narrowly preferred of the pair on paper.

Formwatch

Decimus (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 6f out, switched left over 2f out, challenged over 1f out, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gf in Nov beating Opening Batsman (11-2) by 1/2l, 12 ran.

Admiral Boom (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 14, 2 3/4l behind Old Tricks (10-9) at Wincanton 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.

Atlantic Roller (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of Tourist Attraction.

Follow The Facts Tobougg gelding out of Fiddling The Facts.

Kings Lad (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 8th of 12, well behind Sin Bin (11-1) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gd in Apr.

Let's Be Famous (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 3f out, never on terms, well held by leaders final 2f, 6th of 19, 22l behind Be All Man (11-2) at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) gd in Dec.

Red River Run 50-1 (11-4) Mid-division, lost place after 6f, lost touch halfway, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Gee Hi (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gs in Jan.

Whacko (IRE) Waky Nao gelding out of Broadcast.

Xaarcet (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 6th of 16, well behind Cool George (10-0) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn NH flat (6) sft in Jan.

Abruzzi Milan gelding out of Shannon Native.

Offbeat Safaris (IRE) Le Vie Dei Colori gelding out of Baywood.