Verdict

Wymott is held in high regard but didn't impress everyone when just holding off the fast-finishing Shalimar Fromentro at Exeter on his latest start. The runner-up franked the form at Warwick last week, however, so the seven-year-old is probably entitled to start favourite here getting weight from all of his rivals. Robinson Collonges was probably biting off more than he could chew when well beaten in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time but would probably have beaten Wishfull Thinking had he stayed on his feet at Wincanton in November and re-opposes on 9lb better terms here. The Giant Bolster still has time on his side but there could also be more to come from CAPE TRIBULATION, who ran as though something was amiss when pulled up at Carlisle in October. Given plenty of time to recover, this former smart staying hurdler had won very easily on his chasing debut at Hexham and will be a lot happier back on a left-handed track.

Formwatch

Wishfull Thinking 8-1 (11-8) Chased leading pair, badly hampered and nearly unseated rider 7th (water), recovered to 2nd approaching 10th, hit 3 out, closed on leader when lost 2nd before next, stayed challenging on inside and every chance last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Reve De Sivola (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) gd in Dec.

Cape Tribulation 7-4fav (10-12) Held up in rear and keen, jumped left, weakened from 11th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Little Josh (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f int chs (2) sft in Oct, 5 ran.

Robinson Collonges (FR) 15-2 (10-11) Towards rear of mid-division, pecked 5th, headway and in touch 5 out, outpaced when blundered 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 16, 45l behind Poquelin (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec.

The Giant Bolster 14-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, hit 10th, still well there when fell 12th, in a race won by Time For Rupert (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs in Nov, 10 ran.

Wymott (IRE) 1-2fav (11-7) Tracked leader and keen, mistake 14th, challenged 4 out, led 3 out, driven out, won at Exeter 3m nov chs (4) gs in Dec beating Shalimar Fromentro (10-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.