Verdict

Bryden Boy bolted up at Uttoxeter two weeks ago, though his winning distance was probably exaggerated by conditions and he’s been raised 9lb for that. All of Aliandy’s form is on quicker ground over shorter trips and he’s gone up 4lb since a narrow defeat at Doncaster. HORSEGUARDSPARADE has been raised the same since his second at Ffos Las but that was his best run to date and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ novice may finally be ready to open his account as it’s a long time since the well-treated Lexi's Boy has shown any worthwhile form over hurdles, though he has been placed on the all-weather recently.

Formwatch

Bryden Boy (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) In rear on outer, headway before 3 out, led and clear before last, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Holbrook Park (11-12) by 12l, 11 ran.

Clancy's Cross (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, blundered and lost place 13th, soon weakened, 5th of 8, dist behind Deputy Commander (11-5) at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Aliandy (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) Led at start, took keen hold, held up in rear, steady headway on outside before 3 out, went 2nd approaching next where mistake, ridden edging left between last 2, kept on run-in, strong challenge close home, just failed, 2nd of 10, shd behind Midnight Cowboy (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Dec.

The Artful Cobbler 11-1 (11-2) Held up behind, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 10, dist behind Ami Desbois (11-8) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Newsworthy (IRE) 7-2cfav (11-6) Led, soon pressed, headed 7th, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 8, 22 3/4l behind Winning Spark (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (3) gf in Dec.

Horseguardsparade 16-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, led last, headed run-in, kept on and held near finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Babeny Bridge (11-9) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Lexi's Boy (IRE) 22-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, led 6f out, ridden and joined from over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra, 5th of 6, 5 1/2l behind Good Run (9-3) at Newcastle 2m hcp (3) pol in Nov.