Verdict

Fast ground was a valid excuse for the poor effort of DESPERATE DEX last time, but he'd finished third over these fences before that and is dropping down a grade today. Ferdy Murphy's charge gets the nod with the remainder struggling for form. Master D'Or has claims on December's third at Plumpton but he's been well beaten twice since, while Russellstown Boy has also been below par in a couple of starts since running into a place at Folkestone. Point-to-point winner Ruby Bay has failed to figure over timber so far but may do better now chasing.

Formwatch

Desperate Dex (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Towards rear, struggling 7th, never dangerous, 11th of 14, well behind Cootehill (11-12) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Dec.

Ruby Bay (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) In rear, ridden and headway 4 out, outpaced by leading pair 3 out, 6th of 12, well behind Top Of The Range (10-11) at Ffos Las 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov.

Master d'Or (FR) 25-1 (11-7) In rear, behind 10th, never in contention, 5th of 10, 33l behind Time To Think (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy.

Que Vivo (FR) 33-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, driven along after 5th, never a factor, 15th of 17, well behind Kateal (11-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Nov.

Russellstown Boy (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, held up, behind from 5th, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind Drom (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft.

Salut Honore (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up, hit 5th, not fluent 6th or next, headway 10th, hit 13th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Esteem (9-7) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs, 9 ran.