Sussex National: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

AP McCoy will be aboard Mission Complete at Plumpton.

Timeform take a look at the Sussex National, staged over three miles and five furlongs at Plumpton on Sunday...

Reblis landed 3 handicaps at up to 3m last season (including here). Went with zest for new yard when close second to Mission Complete at Warwick (29f) in December, and likely to go well again.

Pettifour is a one-time smart hurdler who has failed to translate form to fences. Jumping not the hinderance it can be in this sphere when fifth at Haydock (3m) in November, but more required to land this.

Mike de Beauchene is a thorough stayer who is potentially thrown in on old form, but recent close third off this mark at Towcester on reappearance possibly as good as it gets for him these days, and this demands more.

Master Neo jumped soundly when opening chasing account at Uttoxeter (3m) in November. Improved again when runner-up in a 25f Ffos Las handicap last month, and shapes as though marathon trip is within reach.

Double Dizzy was a wide-margin winner of this contest in the mud last year. Back in good heart when fourth in a Cross-Country event at Cheltenham in December, so no surprise if he made a bold bid to defend his crown.

Present To You has largely been in good form since joining this yard, finally breaking chasing duck in the mud at Stratford (3m) in November. Good second at Newbury last month, but 6 lb higher this time.

Well Refreshed is progressing over fences, showing no ill effects from a fall when scoring for second time at Lingfield (3m) last month. Likely to stay this far, and capable of better still if brushing up jumping.

Qualviro has been an improved performer for this yard, making frame all 3 starts over 3m since reappearing in October, but less than fluent when fourth in a visor at Doncaster in November, and stamina to prove here.

Tim The Chair got back on the scoreboard at Uttoxeter (3m) in May. Feeble efforts both outings when reappearing in October, though, and others better treated on return from another break.

Mission Complete is a thorough stayer who knuckled down well to fend off Reblis when opening chasing account at Warwick (29f) in December. Possibly capable of better still now he has got his act together in this sphere.

Hodgson matched hurdles form over fences last twice, but let down by attitude when emerging fourth best in a bunch finish at Ffos Las (21f) in December. Stamina another concern now upped in trip.

Brunette'sonly is a better chaser than hurdler, winning a couple of staying handicaps last term (including here). Shaped as if amiss when well-backed on recent reappearance, but no forlorn hope if back on song.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mission Complete
2. Reblis
3. Double Dizzy

Timeform Verdict: Mission Complete and Reblis both upped their game when fighting out the spoils over a marathon trip at Warwick in December, and the duo have sound prospects of coming to the fore once more, the first-named given the nod to confirm his slim superiority. Last year's winner Double Dizzy is also respected, alongside Master Neo. 

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