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Off time: 18:20 | Winning time: 5m 17.5s

Farouk De Cheneau^t⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 125

11/8

Improved on his first outing since leaving Nicky Henderson when easily winning 4-runner handicap chase at Fontwell (19.5f, good to firm, 9/4) 40 days ago in a first-time tongue strap after 7 months off. Looks capable of following up.

Form: 2/3224-1

Stormin Crossgales^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: T R George| OR: 123

13/2

Low-mileage hurdles winner who improved to make winning return/chase debut at Wincanton (15.7f) in November. Has failed to kick on on in 3 starts since, however, so percentage call is to look elsewhere with step up in trip not sure to suit.

Form: 31/1P3-4

Fat Sam^h³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: James Davies| T: C J Down| OR: 120| CD

10/3

Did plenty wrong when third in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter 30 days ago but he's better over fences and has been given a chance by the handicapper (won over C&D last summer off 2 lb higher).

Form: 42336-3

Midnight Jewel¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Lily Pinchin⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 116

4/1

Consistent performer who enhanced his excellent strike rate over fences when scoring by a head at Bangor 17 days ago under this rider. Should go well again up 5 lb.

Form: 11F2-41

Kauto The King^p,t¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 115| CD

15/2

Completed the hat-trick in this race last summer off 13 lb higher. Has gone the wrong way since, however, his temperament seemingly getting the better of him.

Form: 53F-043

Forecasts

Farouk De Cheneau (11/8), Fat Sam (10/3), Midnight Jewel (4/1), Stormin Crossgales (13/2), Kauto The King (15/2)

FAROUK DE CHENEAU made an impressive winning start for this yard at Fontwell on his return last month and looks capable of defying an 8 lb rise. The prolific Midnight Jewel is a solid alternative, though Fat Sam and Kauto The King are both lurking on dangerous marks.