Blunder Buss looks as though this trip is just what is required after three runs over hurdles as he's been up with the pace before finding no extra in the closing stages. MY OLD GOLD, a dual point-to-point winner in Ireland, will have found the minimum trip much too short on her debut for Nicky Richards on this track but ran well enough and her allowance can see her home. Bialco has been running over fences in France where his jumping has left plenty to be desired. He's been placed over hurdles and the ground will be in his favour but Portrait King is much better known as a staying chaser and was third in last year's Topham.
Bialco (FR) (11-4) 7th of 15, 9 1/2l behind Bandit D'ainay (10-3) at Auteuil 2m 1f hcp gd in Oct.
Blunder Buss (IRE) 2-1fav (11-6) With leader, ridden before 2 out, one pace in 3rd before last, 3rd of 8, 9 3/4l behind Caventara (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
Portrait King (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) In rear, headway from 15th (canal turn), 5th after 3 out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 15, 21 1/4l behind Blaklion (11-6) at Aintree 3m 2f hcp (1) hvy in Dec.
My Old Gold (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, pushed along before 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 10 1/2l behind Mcgowan's Pass (11-0) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Dec.
