Verdict

Cresswell Crusader won a Chepstow bumper on heavy going and showed himself suited by testing ground again when landing a handicap hurdle at Fontwell. He may just have too much basic speed for Golden Call, who won a poor novice hurdle on soft ground over 3m1f here in November. The youngster Optimist has shown a little promise but a chance is taken that THE HOLLINWELL has a going day. Ferdie Murphy's charge won a similar race to this over the C&D just over a year ago and, though generally well beaten over fences subsequently, there's no doubt he has the ability for this if in the right mood.

Formwatch

Cresswell Crusader 13-2 (11-1) Held up in rear, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders, effort 3 out, soon faded, 7th of 18, 36l behind Mauricetheathlete (9-13) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Dec.

Golden Call (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Led, headed 3out, soon beaten, 4th of 6, well behind South Leinster (10-12) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.

Jaffonnien (FR) 13-2 (11-12) Mid-division, no impression from after 5 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Delphi Mountain (11-12) at Killarney 2m 1f beg chs gs in Aug, 14 ran.

The Hollinwell 50-1 (10-4) Jumped left, ridden and struggling after 7th, tailed off, 8th of 14, 39l behind Tatenen (11-3) at Ascot 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gs in Jan.

Theredballoon 10-1 (11-7) Raced wide in touch, went 3rd after 3rd until hit 6th, went 3rd again soon after 3 out, no chance with leading duo when blundered 2 out, weakened to 4th between last 2, 4th of 8, 32l behind Spirit D'armor (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f NH Novice Handicap Hurdle (0-105) (4yo+) (4) sft in Jan.

Optimist (GER) 12-1 (10-2) With leaders, driven and outpaced 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase leading pair inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Abbey Garth (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (6) gd in Jan.