Verdict

Kealigolane won three times over hurdles and has shown promise over fences, most notably when a close-up fourth at Catterick two runs ago. Ballybriggan should improve for his fourth to Fourjacks at Wetherby and was also decent over the smaller obstacles but neither of the nine-year-olds have the scope of VULCANITE. Charlie Longsdon's gelding didn't jump well when favourite at Plumpton a month ago but had impressed at Hereford on his chasing bow and won't be crowded here with only three rivals. Russe Blanc could improve now he tackles fences but it's a worry that he hasn't seen meaningful action since April last year.

Formwatch

Kealigolane (IRE) 6-1 (11-1) Led to 8th, tracked leader, pushed along and lost place from 4 out, ridden and weakened before 3 out, 4th of 5, 28l behind Dunowen Point (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Jan.

Vulcanite (IRE) Evensfav (11-4) Tracked leaders, blundered 5th, ridden before last, soon switched right, one pace, 3rd of 4, 5l behind Salden Licht (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Jan.

Ballybriggan (IRE) 10-3 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 4th, weakened before last, 4th of 7, 26l behind Fourjacks (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (4) sft in Jan.

Russe Blanc (FR) 9-2fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, weakened after 3 out, 9th of 13, well behind Trojan Sun (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Apr.