Verdict

Garde Bien lines up in form and can score again at the expense of a decent field that includes Manbow, Oso Magic and Brown Teddy. The latter has not been out since winning a beginners' chase at Kelso in October but has a bright future over fences and should win his fair share. However, having to give weight away today is a bit daunting and we much prefer the claims of Garde Bien who hails from the in-form stable of Ferdy Murphy. His seven-year-old lines up on the back of an impressive run that has brought three victories in his last four starts. After his latest effort at Doncaster, he was to go for the Tommy Whittle at Haydock but wisely bypassed that tougher event won by Chives to wait for this instead. He is still on a reasonable mark, all things being considered, and should take all the beating. Manbow is another that has been in great form of late and he does go well here, so rates the main danger. Oso Magic is another whose stable is in top form, and along with the lightly weighted Moor Spirit adds spice to the contest. The one that they have to beat though is definitely Garde Bien.