Loulou Nivernais has been in the form of his life of late, winning his last three starts, and has to be respected despite a 7lb penalty but the drop back in distance may not be ideal for the eight-year-old and preference is for Lord Rodney with Tom Fruit rated the pick of the remainder. The selection has not progressed as much as may have been expected this term but Peter Beaumont's gelding is more than capable of taking what looks a relatively uncompetitive race off what appears a favourable mark on ground that suits. Perfect Punch receives weight all round but remains a maiden under National Hunt rules and that run is expected to continue here. Tom Fruit looks to be in the grip of the handicapper and while it is possible that there may be even more to come from Loulou Nivernais it may be that Lord Rodney has been found a suitable opportunity to resume winning ways.
Lord Rodney (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Chased leaders, outpaced 9th, stayed on from 2 out, 3rd of 7, 26l behind Welcome To Unos (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
Loulou Nivernais (FR) 11-4 (10-11) Led to 1st, tracked leaders, led again 10th, drew clear from 2 out, easily, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft beating Supreme Catch (11-12) by 14l, 6 ran.
Tom Fruit 15-2 (11-2) Held up in touch, steady headway 4 out, left with every chance after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 10, 22l behind Classic Capers (11-5) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Perfect Punch 11-2jt-fav (11-11) Mid-division, lost place 8th, behind when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Baligrundle (10-7) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
