Verdict

The progressive Un Bon P'Tit Gars is upped in class after wins in maiden and novice company at Uttoxeter but should hold his own. Romeo Americo defied odds of 100/1 to chase home Oscara Dara in the Lanzarote at Kempton and a repeat of that effort would put him in the firing-line, though he was a long way behind the much-improved Quaddick Lake over 2m at Wincanton earlier. Phare Isle seems to be running into form but Hayjack has a long absence to overcome and Baby Shine has become disappointing. BAKBENSCHER has a touch of class at this level and ran another fine race at Newbury after winning at Haydock. Though raised a further 2lb, Alan King's grey is fancied to get back on the winning trail.

Formwatch

Bakbenscher 10-3fav (10-6) Held up in rear, steady headway after 3 out, dsputing close 2nd from 2 out, every chance last, no extra final 150 yards, 3rd of 9, 3l behind African Gold (10-0) at Newbury 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Dec.

Quaddick Lake (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Held up behind, headway 2 out, soon chased leaders, ridden and stayed on to take 3rd flat, no impression with front pair, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Mr Watson (10-3) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan.

Baby Shine (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, headway before 4 out, soon went 3rd, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 8, 36l behind Knockfierna (10-12) at Kempton 3m mrs lst hdl (1) sft in Nov.

Romeo Americo (IRE) 100-1 (9-11) Held up in mid-division on inside, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd approaching next, stayed on to 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Oscara Dara (11-0) at Kempton 2m 5f Listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Jan.

Un Bon P'tit Gars (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Made all, clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft in Oct beating Moscow Presents (10-12) by 9l, 11 ran.

Hayjack 10-11fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, headway to lead before 3 out, ridden when headed briefly before next, stayed on well from last, won at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov '11 beating Tarn Hows (10-12) by 4l, 15 ran.

Kingcora (FR) 33-1 (10-5) In touch on inside, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 21l behind Mr Watson (10-3) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan.

Art Professor (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, effort 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 17l behind Araldur (10-11) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec.

Phare Isle (IRE) 9-2 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, led after 2 out, soon pressed, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Minella Special (10-8) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.

Teshali (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Always in rear, never in contention, 10th of 12, 21l behind Lord Of House (9-9) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) hvy in Jan.