Verdict

The top two in the handicap seem to have the strongest claims here with REBEL MELODY preferred to Sesame Rambler with Earcomesannie rated the best of the rest. The pick from Charlie Mann's yard was an impressive winner of a stronger race on his last run proving stamina for this trip and a likely for the ground conditions. He has more to do now up nine pounds but he's carried a heavier mark to victory over timber and that last run suggested he should cope. Sesame Rambler fell last time but has to be considered with his good strike rate at this track, which reads three wins from 11 starts. The latest was two starts ago over course and distance and while he is racing off a mark eight pounds above his rating that day his hurdles performances have this burden within his scope. Earcomesannie is now weighted to be competitive after struggling under a high looking rating recently and could well be in the shake up here. If Noble Action can return to last season's form he is right in the picture, but he didn't show anything like that on reappearance so we prefer the chances of Rebel Melody.

Formwatch

Rebel Melody (IRE) 10-3fav (11-5) In touch, led 13th, shaken up after 2 out, pushed out flat, easily, won at Wincanton 3m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Mar beating Kilty Storm (11-9) by 3l, 9 ran.

Sesame Rambler (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Prominent, fell 1st, in a race won by Power King (11-7) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar, 5 ran.

Noble Action 4-1fav (10-8) In touch until mistake and unseated rider 12th, in a race won by Freeline Fury (10-3) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd, 12 ran.

Earcomesannie (IRE) 7-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, not fluent and under pressure 13th, soon beaten, 5th of 11, 20l behind Illogical Hope (9-12) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.

Toni Alcala 15-8 (11-5) Always prominent, chased winner from 13th, challenged 4 out, not fluent 3 out, led 2 out, went right and slightly hesitant last, headed flat, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 3, 2 1/4l behind Option Money (10-9) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (4) gf.

Lahinch Lad (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Led until after 2nd, lost place after 5th, blundered 10th, weakened approaching 13th, 4th of 11, 16l behind Marufo (11-12) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.