Verdict

Half of this field are having a first run over fences but all would have some sort of chance though only Wheesht, a winner over further here just over three weeks ago, and last month’s Southwell runner-up Getaway Luv have had a recent run. Jen's Boy is 0-6 over the larger obstacles but has finished second three times. Samtara has not managed a career win in 15 attempts so the vote goes to DUC DE BOURBON, who is a half-brother to useful chaser Astracad and has been waiting for this better ground. Translink is 2-2 over hurdles around here but has a Flat pedigree.

Formwatch

Getaway Luv (IRE)9-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, closer after 6th, pushed along and outpaced over 3 out, no match for winner from well before last, 2nd of 5, 15l behind Clear The Runway (11-10) at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr.

Duc De Bourbon (FR)6-4fav (11-10) Held up in touch in 5th, improved going well 3 out, close up 2 out, ridden approaching last, not much room briefly and found little, 4th of 11, 6l behind Generation Gap (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep.

Wheesht (IRE)3-1 (11-11) Jumped well, led 2nd, went clear 3 out, pushed along before last, ridden and idled flat, stayed on, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Rose Ohara (11-3) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.

Samtara11-4 (11-8) Led 2nd, hit 4th, hard pressed 3 out, mistake 2 out, edged left and headed flat, stayed on, held close home, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Jet Plane (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn (4) sft in Jan.

Translink7-2jfav (11-6) Mid-division, pushed along to be prominent before 2 out, ridden and strongly pressed leader last, stayed on well, just denied, 2nd of 11, shd behind Getalead (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.

Jen's Boy8-1 (11-8) Led, joined 2nd, good jump to lead 9th, pushed along approaching 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on well flat, won at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Nov beating Cremant (11-7) by 1/2l, 7 ran.