Verdict

Only five runners have been declared for this but it's an interesting contest nevertheless. Chester Lad's tendency to jump left at Newcastle shouldn't impede him here and he has scope for further improvement while Stopped Out has been knocking on the door, though was a shade disappointing when beaten at odds-on at Catterick last time. Double Expresso also failed to justify market support on his latest outing in a claiming hurdle at Taunton and Bogside's jumping has let him down so far. BOLD SIR BRIAN has to concede weight all round but has taken really well to the larger obstacles and showed a willing attitude to master Lie Forrit over further at Kelso last month. Providing he doesn't get outpaced on the sharper course, a hat-trick is on the cards.

Formwatch

Bold Sir Brian (IRE) 13-8 (11-9) Tracked leaders, hit 3rd, slow 5th, smooth headway to go 2nd approaching last, led flat, redily, won at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (4) sft in Dec beating Lie Forrit (11-9) by 2l, 3 ran.

Chester Lad 6-4fav (11-0) Made all, jumped mainly right throughout, clear from 3 out, easily, won at Newcastle 2m beg chase (5) sft in Jan beating Vosges (10-11) by 13l, 5 ran.

Bogside (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) In rear, not fluent early, went 4th before 4 out, no impression, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 5, 19l behind Charminster (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m beg chase (5) gd in Jan.

Double Expresso 7-4fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra flat, 4th of 7, 8l behind Fulgora (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) gs in Jan.

Stopped Out 10-11fav (11-0) Disputed lead until headed 3 out, ridden and stayed on under pressure flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Carrickboy (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f beg chase (4) gs in Jan.