Verdict

A multiple winner on the Flat including at Kempton recently, SHALAMBAR has also won a couple of times over hurdles. Back on a winning mark with a conditional's allowance taken into account, Tony Carroll's charge gets the nod. Massena ran well for a long way on his return from a lengthy absence at Sandown and can figure while the out-of-form pair Strathcal and Troubletimestwo are not out of this if rediscovering their best. The maiden Goat Castle is preferred of the remaining runners.

Formwatch

Massena (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Took keen hold in mid-division in touch, pushed along on outside before 2 out, no progress, 8th of 12, 20l behind Thundering Home (10-9) at Sandown 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gs in Feb.

Shalambar (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed after 6th, weakened 3 out, last of 5, 24l behind The Weatherman (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Jun.

Strathcal 10-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, no extra flat, 5th of 15, 14l behind Rocky Elsom (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Feb.

Troubletimestwo (FR) 25-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, ridden and struggling after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before next, in a race won by Thundering Home (10-9) at Sandown 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gs in Feb, 12 ran.

Argaum (IRE) 50-1 (10-13) Always behind, tailed off, 11th of 16, well behind Duaiseoir (11-7) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Dec.

Everkingly 200-1 (11-5) Mid-division, weakened after 6th, tailed off before 4 out, last of 14, well behind Mr Watson (11-5) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.

Goat Castle (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 15, 47l behind Coverholder (10-1) at Doncaster 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft in Feb.