Verdict

This looks wide open, though Midnight Cowboy disappointed when last seen at Uttoxeter at the end of May. ALIANDY returned from a lengthy lay-off to make a winning return at Southwell. The second went one better off a 4lb higher mark at Ludlow earlier this week and Kim Bailey's charge can double up. Point-to-point and bumper winner Soupy Soups ran his best race over hurdles so far last time at Ffos Las and Ambion Lane showed ability last season. They are preferred to Chepstow third Never Learn and Taunton runner-up Fair To Middling.

Formwatch

Midnight Cowboy 15-8 (11-0) Led, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened after next, tailed off, 4th of 6, dist behind Preseli Rock (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f mdn (4) gd in May.

Aliandy (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Held up behind, headway 3 out, ridden before 2 out, led before last, kept on, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov beating Agincourt Reef (11-7) by nk, 16 ran.

Never Learn (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 4th from 2 out, went 3rd from last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 10 1/2l behind Copain De Classe (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) gs in Nov.

Ambion Lane (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, held up in touch, not much room and lost place after 4th, closed 6th, outpaced 3 out, no impression after, plugged on before last, 4th of 10, 8 1/2l behind Kit Casey (11-3) at Chepstow 3m mdn (4) hvy in Mar.

Soupy Soups (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 8l behind Verygoodverygood (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.

Threebarmymen (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced before 2 out, no impression, 4th of 8, 19l behind Guards Chapel (11-10) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.

Fair To Middling 2-1jfav (11-12) Ducked sharply right and almost unseated rider as tapes rose, behind, gained a place 3rd, disputing close 3rd 7th, pushed along and outpaced before 2 out, rallied and hit last, went 2nd final 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Culm Counsellor (10-0) at Taunton 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.

Ziggerson Hill 25-1 (10-11) Close up, led 3 out and mistake, headed before 2 out, weakened run-in, 6th of 13, 7 1/4l behind Desert Sensation (11-6) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Nov.