Verdict

Painter Man was never in danger when scoring here last time and was value for far more than the winning margin when idling in the closing stages. The Pipe charge must go well again despite a 7lb penalty for that success, having proven his ability to handle the predicted heavy ground that day. However, BIG EASY, a French import for Philip Hobbs, rewarded significant market support at Doncaster last Saturday to land a decent handicap and looked a performer on the upgrade. He has also handled heavy conditions in the past and is marginally preferred to Painter Man. Accordintolawrence is very hard to catch right, Arbor Supreme has yet to show any form since moved from Willie Mullins to Jonjo O'Neill but needs a market check and Teshali is an each-way possible if forgiven his run on Saturday when pulled up at Uttoxeter.

Formwatch

Glenstal Abbey (IRE) 14-1 (12-8) In rear, mistake 2nd, well behind 5th, hampered by loose horse and refused 7th, in a race won by Lorikarad (11-9) at Towcester 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft in Jan, 17 ran.

Arbor Supreme (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, weakened from 4 out, 10th of 12, 46l behind Dais Return (11-1) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Dec.

Numide (FR) 28-1 (10-6) Held up in last pair, outpaced 3 out, never dangerous, 11th of 12, well behind Ranjaan (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Jan.

Accordintolawrence (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Led, mistake and headed 10th, hit next, soon lost place, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind Corkage (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan.

Painter Man (FR) 11-4 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, 18 lengths ahead when mistake last, ridden out, won at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan beating Outside The Box (11-8) by 9l, 11 ran.

Big Easy (GER) 3-1fav (10-6) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3 out, led before last, pushed out, readily, won at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Jan beating Bocciani (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.

Teshali (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, headway 6th, blundered next, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Sandynow (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.

Tom O'Tara 11-1 (10-12) Led, clear 6th until after 8th, headed 3 out, 5th and beaten when hung left after 2 out, weakened flat, 6th of 12, 23l behind Havingotascoobydo (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.