A rather disappointing turn out for the excellent prize money on offer but connections of Stormez won't be complaining as this appears a good opportunity for the son of Ezzoud. Martin Pipe's charge has been progressive over fences and was notching his sixth win over birch when accounting for Ask Henry in a similar contest at Newbury earlier in the month. The six-year-old jumps well and has winning form over further so should have no difficulty in confirming the Newbury form with the runner-up as he meets that rival on 1lb better terms. Haut Cercy faced a stiff task behind Keen Leader at Wetherby last time and is better judged on his previous success at Wincanton but even his best form leaves him with something to find while December's Fontwell winner Shardam lacks experience over fences and had his limitations exposed next time.
