Verdict

WE'RE DELIGHTED is the call ahead of Abbaleen and Rivington Pike. Tim Walford normally has a fair record with his switchers to the National Hunt sphere and this seven furlong specialist did at least have some form when the ground was on the heavy side. Abbaleen was a 40 000 guineas purchase for Howard Johnson. His dam is a half-sister to the very smart Coliseum. Rivington Pike is the benchmark for the assessor. He has made the frame on all three starts though is unproven under these conditions. Sawpit Solitaire should have come on for her latest effort. Galley Slave and Premier Class have had plenty of opportunities thus far whilst When Yer Ready was comprehensively outclassed on hurdling debut at Aintree. The remainder look modest. We're Delighted is the pick in a race that makes limited punting appeal.

Formwatch

Abbaleen (IRE) Traditionally gelding out of 1m3f winner Savieres.

Galley Slave (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Dontpaytheferryman (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.

Premier Class (IRE) 150-1 (10-12) Well behind from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Resounding Glory (11-4) at Wetherby 2m lst nov hdl (1) gf in Oct, 7 ran.

Recoil (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off when mistake 4 out and pulled up 4 out in race won by La Fortalesa (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct, 13 ran.

Rivington Pike (IRE) 13-8fav (10-12) In touch, led after 3rd, reminders before next, driven and headed before last, ridden and kept on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 19l behind Silk Drum (10-9) at Kelso 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.

We're Delighted 2-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 38l behind Barkass (9-0) at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) hvy in Oct (Flat).

When Yer Ready (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up in rear and keen, weakened approaching 3 out, poor 4th when fell at the last in race won by Nampour (11-0) at Aintree 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gs in Oct, 5 ran.

Baileys Benchmark 66-1 (8-12) Held up mainly in rear, 9th of 11, 13l behind Red Jade (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft in Oct (Flat).

Invincible Rose (IRE) 150-1 (10-5) In rear, lost touch 3 out, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Indian Groom (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Sept.

Sawpit Solitaire 66-1 (10-5) In touch, keen, mistake 1st, ridden 5th, weakening when jumped right 2 out, 5th of 12, 15l behind R De Rien Sivola (10-5) at Chepstow 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.