Verdict

A couple of slow jumps put paid to ROYAL CHATELIER's chances at Exeter earlier this month but this looks slightly less competitive and Michael Blake's charge may be able to get the better of Dushy Valley, who had a very hard race when second at Plumpton and may be in the handicapper's grip now. Roybuoy and Midnight Charmer both need to improve again if they are to go one better than last time but Magical Treasure could figure with a clear round and looks the pick of the remainder.

Formwatch

Jayandbee (IRE) 11-4 (11-3) Led, headed after 3rd, tracked leader, not fluent 10th, weakened 13th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Mabel Tasman (10-10) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd in Nov.

Russian Song (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, soon behind, weakened 8th, behind when pulled up 3 out, in a race won by The Big Freeze (11-12) at Exeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy, 8 ran.

Magical Treasure 9-1 (11-9) Led, headed 10th, reminders before next, pushed along and losing ground when fell 14th, in a race won by Dunkelly Castle (11-4) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft in Nov, 8 ran.

Dimpsy Time 66-1 (10-7) Always behind, went right 4th, blundered 12th, ridden and struggling next, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Grandioso (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f beg chs (3) sft.

Royal Chatelier (FR) 11-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, lost place 7th, slow 12th, stayed on approaching 2 out, never on terms, 4th of 8, 35l behind The Big Freeze (11-12) at Exeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy.

Dushy Valley (IRE) 11-4fav (10-6) Made most but pressed, driven and headed 2 out, kept trying from last, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Beware Chalk Pit (11-0) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp 0-100 (5) sft.

Seventh Hussar 8-1 (11-9) Chased leader until 4th, chased leading pair mistake and weakened 4 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Blue Hills (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Jun.

Roybuoy 5-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, headway after 10th, chased winner before 3 out, blunderd next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 25l behind Quayside Court (9-7) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Nov.

For Sahkey Moony (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leading pair until 11th, last when blundered badly 3 out, left poor 3rd at the last, 3rd of 6, 32l behind Sulpius (12-0) at Folkestone 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.

Midnight Charmer 5-1 (9-13) Last pair, steady headway 9th, chased leading pair next, stayed on to 2nd at last, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Sulpius (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft.

Master Flight 12-1 (11-0) Mid-division, tailed off from 10th, moderate 4th, 4th of 8, well behind Quentin Collonges (10-9) at Doncaster 3m beg chase (4) gd in Feb.