Verdict

County Zen had Captive Audience well behind when third over fences at Ascot in November and was probably the pick of these over hurdles. But he's been a long way below his best in his last two starts and fencing newcomers Crazy Eyes and PAINT THE CLOUDS probably have more scope. The former went close over timber at Huntingdon and Warwick earlier this year before finishing fourth at Market Rasen on his latest start. But Warren Greatrex's gelding has really come into his own since tackling this sort of trip over hurdles and it would be no surprise if he was to prove even better over fences.

Formwatch

Captive Audience (IRE) 10-1 (10-8) Led, mistake 2nd, headed 7th, tracked leader until blundered 9th and droped to rear, weakened 13th, 5th of 6, 46l behind Master Of The Hall (11-1) at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.

County Zen (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Prominent, led 4th, headed and reminders 6th, weakened and eased well before 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Connectivity (12-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Apr.

Crazy Eyes (IRE) 3-1fav (11-5) Towards rear, mistake 8th, headway next, chased winner 3 out until hit 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 10, 18l behind Stagecoach Opal (10-3) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.

Paint The Clouds 3-1fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 8th, challenged after 3 out, led 2 out, clear when went left and hit last, comfortably, won at Cheltenham 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr beating Sail And Return (9-13) by 5l, 14 ran.

She's On The Case (IRE) 13-2 (10-7) Held up, blundered and dropped to last 5th, effort 3 out, soon went 4th, stayed on same pace, no impression, 4th of 8, 12l behind Connectivity (11-5) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.