Verdict

Thelobstercatcher has had plenty of chances and still doesn't impress with his jumping. These fences can be tricky for a novice and we'd rather rely on the potential of FILL THE POWER. Successful over hurdles at Hexham and Newcastle in the autumn, he has the build and pedigree of a chaser and should win plenty of races over the larger obstacles for Sue Smith. High Ransom ran well in a handicap hurdle here on Boxing Day but her form has a been erratic over timber and on the Flat since and there's no guarantee Micky Hammond's mare will take to fences at this stage of her career.

Formwatch

Blazing Bull (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Tracked winner until 7th, pecked badly 10th, pulled up, in a race won by Sole Witness (10-7) at Ayr 3m 1f beg chase (4) hvy in Mar, 4 ran.

Fill The Power (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, pushed along before 7th, mistake and unseated rider 8th, in a race won by Malin Bay (10-11) at Ayr 3m nov hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd, 10 ran.

Seaofemotion (GER) 28-1 (11-0) Soon in touch on outer, took closer order 8th, lost place from 10th, blundered badly 11th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Willie Hall (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chase (5) gd in Mar, 5 ran.

Thelobstercatcher 9-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, plugged on approaching 3 out, went modest 3rd before last, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Rockabilly (11-4) at Ffos Las 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd.

High Ransom 10-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, pushed along 4 out, plugged on from last, no impression, 4th of 13, 26l behind Tenor Nivernais (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Feb.

Shoal Bay Dreamer 11-2 (10-5) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed next, soon ridden, kept on same pace in clear 2nd, no chance with winner from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 19l behind Emperor Charlie (10-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Mar.