Verdict

Stopped Out made a promising start over fences when second at Carlisle, only to fall early on at Hexham last time. He's sure to be thereabouts with a clear round, but the vote goes to EL DANCER. A Grade 2 winner over timber, he's already been placed three times over fences and was having his first start for over a year when running out of steam at Fakenham earlier this month. Lucy Wadham's charge can go one better here. The remaining trio are hard to fancy though Empress Orchid may improve for her recent chasing bow.

Formwatch

El Dancer (GER) 3-10fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 13th, joined winner next, led 4out, ridden 3 lengths clear 2 out, headed approaching last, weakened flat, 2nd of 4, 13l behind Springfield Raki (11-1) at Fakenham 3m beg chs (5) gd.

Frank The Slink 100-1 (10-12) Off the pace in 5th, pushed along 8th, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 12, 36l behind See What Happens (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft in Nov.

Stopped Out 9-4 (11-0) In touch when fell 2nd (water), in a race won by Bold Sir Brian (11-0) at Hexham 2m beg chs (5) hvy, 6 ran.

Zazamix (FR) 33-1 (10-6) Held up mid-division, weakened from 8th, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Persian Gates (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Oct, 11 ran.

Empress Orchid 16-1 (10-7) Led, hit 8th, headed before last, soon ridden, no chance with winner flat, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Bold Sir Brian (11-0) at Hexham 2m beg chs (5) hvy.