Verdict

HOPEFUL START has been brought along very gradually like many a stable inmate and repaid that kindness when only needing to be pushed out to score with something in hand at Wetherby last month. The handicapper has reacted accordingly but he remains the one to beat with further progress anticipated now he has found the winning touch. Trip and ground are ideal. In contrast, Morestead has yet to oblige over further than 2m5f and is also asked to operate off a career-high mark. That combination of factors makes him one to take on, especially as he is prone to throw in the occasional modest effort too. Therefore, Ceepeegee makes more appeal as the main danger off bottom weight having shown up well enough in recent outings, whilst Charming Lad should be all the better for his reappearance run after a significant absence.

Formwatch

Charming Lad (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Chased leader, hit 10th, chasing leaders when blundered 4 out, weakened from next, tailed off, 9th of 13, well behind Gotoyourplay (11-2) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Dec.

Morestead (IRE) 9-4fav (10-9) Chased winner 2nd, clear of rest after next, winner went clear from 6th, reminders and reluctant after 9th, soon behind, 4th of 7, well behind Marodima (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.

Hopeful Start (IRE) 5-4fav (11-3) Chased leaders, disputing close 2nd after 14th, challenged and upsides when not much room 4 out, led and pecked 2 out, stayed on strongly and drew clear fom last, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft in Jan beating Kilcommon Pride (11-2) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.

Sea Saffron 8-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 4 out, 6th of 8, well behind Mission Complete (11-9) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft in Jan.

Saint Peray (FR) 7-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, chased winner from 12th, just under 3 lengths down when fell 4 out, in a race won by Mark The Book (11-11) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.

Ceepeegee (IRE) 7-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, headway 9th, chased leaders 13th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 16, 22l behind Glens Boy (10-11) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Jan.