Verdict

Lady Buttons is likely to go to Newcastle, weather permitting, and that would throw this Listed race wide open. Sparkling River has done all of her winning around here but this is a much better race that the novices’ handicap she landed last time. Surtee Du Berlais has won in this grade over hurdles but she’ll need to jump better that at Fontwell. Happy Diva has been placed in both starts to date over fences and should be winning soon but The Nipper has a bit to prove at present. CASABLANCA MIX ran well behind the smart Willoughby Court at Huntingdon before winning by 12 lengths at the same track. This is her trip and she won on heavy going in France so will have no excuses.

Formwatch

Lady Buttons 4-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, smooth progress after 3 out, every chance last, led run in, ran on well, won at Bangor 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Nov beating Dusky Legend (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.

Casablanca Mix (FR) 8-11fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 3 out, clear last, easily, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f (4) gs in Nov beating Theatre Territory (11-0) by 12l, 5 ran.

Happy Diva (IRE) Evensfav (10-12) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 10th, led next, jumped right final 4, clear 2 out, headed and no extra last 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 2 1/4l behind Sainte Ladylime (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m (3) gs in Nov.

Sparkling River (IRE) 18-1 (11-12) Made all, jumped well, reminder after 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on gamely, won at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Same Circus (11-11) by 3/4l, 11 ran.

Surtee Du Berlais (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, reminders after 10th, not fluent next, mistake 5 out, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 4th of 5, 33l behind Tacenda (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gd in Nov.

The Nipper (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Settled in rear but in touch, not fluent 6th, some headway 4 out, weakened after next, 4th of 5, 29 3/4l behind Lady Buttons (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Nov.