Verdict

Sargasso Sea gets the confident vote here with Hardybuck and Spiritual Society rating the main dangers. The selection was a good second behind First De La Brunie last time out. That form has since been franked and if he puts in a clear round he would be hard to beat. Hardybuck rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Launde but he has given the impression in the past he would be suited by a longer trip and he may be seen to better effect in handicaps in time. Spiritual Society was going well when falling last time out and is another with place claims if his jumping holds up. Of the remainder The Glen Road is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but he may just need the run after a 491 day absence and for the winner we return to Sargasso Sea.

Formwatch

Sargasso Sea 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led after 13th, headed after 3 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 8l behind First De La Brunie (10-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs (4) sft in Jan.

Silver Dagger 150-1 (10-9) Held up in chasing group, no impression from 4 out, 4th of 6, well behind Monet's Garden (11-10) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) sft in Feb.

Spiritual Society (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Pulled hard, headway to track leader 4th, 2nd when fell 5 out in race won by Idole First (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Feb, 8 ran.

The Glen Road (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, led 7th to next, ridden after 4 out, left chasing winner 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 17l behind Cornish Rebel (11-7) at Lingfield 2m 4f beg chs (E) gs in Oct '04.

Hardybuck (IRE) 11-1 (10-10) Prominent to 8th, 4th of 11, 26l behind Launde (11-2) at Leicester 2m mdn chs (4) sft in Feb.