Verdict

Rebel Melody has won twice around here and will ensure this is a good gallop. But it looked as though he was in the handicapper's grip when only fourth at Plumpton last month. Top Benefit looks harshly treated on his chasing bow, while Reblis is still a maiden after eight starts over fences but is often in the frame. Skipper's Lad was a long way behind Rebel Melody in December but needed the run that day and ran a lot better here next time. He could play a part but we're going to give a final chance to SIR WINSTON, who has proved most frustrating this season but had excuses at Hereford last month and could be helped by the fitting of cheekpieces.

Formwatch

Drybrook Bedouin 20-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, mistake 3rd, hampered 11th, outpaced when hit 4 out, soon weakened and pulled up, in a race won by Polyfast (11-12) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan, 10 ran.

Top Benefit (IRE) 15-2 (11-5) Led, hit 4th and 5th, soon headed, remained prominent, every chance 3 out, hit next, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind King Of Dubai (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.

Ginolad (AUS) 33-1 (11-4) Soon chased leaders on outside, weakened 13th, 7th of 11, 34l behind Sona Sasta (10-11) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.

Rebel Melody (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) With leader, led 8th, headed 4 out, soon under pressure, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 14, 26l behind Minella Boys (11-4) at Plumpton 3m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Jan.

Picture In The Sky (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) In rear, behind when pulled up before 11th, in a race won by West End Rocker (10-11) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) hvy in Jan, 15 ran.

Reblis (FR) 7-2 (11-4) In touch on outside, went 2nd 5 out, ridden to challenge 3 out, kept on and every chance until no extra approaching last, weakened flat, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Honourable Arthur (10-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.

Shacklesborough (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, mistake 4th, challenged 12t, every chance until weakened before 2 out, 7th of 13, 7l behind Sultan Fontenaille (11-9) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.

Sea Saffron 7-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, chased winner from 4 out, driven to challenge 3 out, narrow lead 2 out, driven and edged left flat, caught close home, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Spanish Cruise (11-8) at Exeter 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Jan.

Skipper's Lad (IRE) 50-1 (9-7) Took keen hold, tracked leader after 1st, led 8th, soon headed, led 14th, headed next, weakened and hung left after 3 out, 7th of 12, 32l behind Cornish Sett (11-6) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.

Sir Winston (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, hampered 2nd, headway when hampered 10th, went 3rd 12th, well held from 3 out, 3rd of 11, 27l behind Hobb's Dream (10-6) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan.

Wild Ground (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Lost touch, pulled up before 8th, in a race won by Mr Big (10-10) at Chepstow 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Apr '09, 14 ran.

Wizard of Edge 16-1 (11-1) With leader until 4th, soon chsaing leaders, lost place 7th, soon behind, 8th of 10, well behind Rudinero (10-0) at Taunton 3m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.