Verdict

Lithic is a strong traveller but he finds little off the bridle and is 0-22 over the larger obstacles. He’s also been raised 4lb for finishing third in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen. Corrany’s jumping at Doncaster left much to be desired and he is best watched and Myplaceatmidnight was beaten when falling in the same race on Town Moor. MINELLA ENCORE looks the safest option having had wind surgery since beaten less than a length by a useful novice at Kelso last month.

Formwatch

Myplaceatmidnight 11-1 (11-8) Held up, ridden towards rear after 10th, lost touch when fell 3 out, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.

Minella Encore (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-2) Tracked leader, pressed leader 12th, disputed the lead 13th, every chance 3 out and 2 out, ridden after 2 out, rallied well to press leader last, kept on when hard-ridden run-in, denied, denied dying strides, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Mahlervous (11-2) at Kelso 2m 7f (3) sft in Dec.

Lithic (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Raced keenly in midfield, headway going well approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge before last, ran on well until no extra final 50yds, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Who's In The Box (10-7) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Corrany (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Prominent, relegated to midfield 6th, towards rear when mistake 9th, ridden after 10th, mistake saddle slipped and unseated rider soon after 4 out, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.