Overlady won this when it was last run in 2009 but has had very little racing subsequently. She'll be better for a recent run at Sedgefield but may need another to put her right. Money Order hasn't done as well over fences as over timber though he's a real heavy ground specialist, while Pennek ran very poorly at Bangor last time. The veteran Victory Gunner gained the tenth success of his career when making all at Towcester earlier this month on his first start for Richard Lee. In that frame of mind he would take some catching and a 6lb rise doesn't appear excessive as he's won off higher marks, but STAR PLAYER has returned from serious injury in superb form and is a great credit to the training skills of Chris Grant. Not surprisingly, after his demolition job at Newcastle last time, he's on his highest ever mark but loves it around here and can defy his big weight.
Star Player (IRE) 9-4fav (11-11) Held up mid-division, joined leader 6th, clear lead 10th, clear from 2 out, soon ridden, eased close home, won at Newcastle 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft beating Jeringa (10-1) by 22l, 7 ran.
Mr Woods 14-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear and keen, ridden and weakened before 4 out, pulled up before last, tailed off, in a race won by Knockara Beau (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy, 9 ran.
Money Order (IRE) 17-2 (11-5) Held up in rear, mistakes 1st and 6th, headway 9th, chased leaders 4 out, one pace approaching 2 out, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Sweden (10-9) at Ffos Las 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
Pennek (FR) 15-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear, pushed along after 3rd, never dangerous, 6th of 11, well behind Incentivise (11-6) at Bangor 3m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Victory Gunner (IRE) 9-1 (11-1) Led 3rd until 8th, led next, ridden after 3 out, drifted to stands rail after 2 out, jumped right last, stayed on, won at Towcester 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft beating Atherstone Hill (10-1) by 2l, 8 ran.
Overlady 8-1 (11-4) Prominent, weakened from 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Ontrack (10-1) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft, 9 ran.
Royal Mackintosh 25-1 (11-11) In touch, lost place 9th, behind from 5 out, 8th of 11, well behind Eyre Square (11-11) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Blazing Diva (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders in 3rd, not fluent 5th, ridden before 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 7, 44l behind Garleton (11-4) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy.
Matmata de Tendron (FR) 12-1 (10-2) Prominent, challenged 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 9, 13l behind Ontrack (10-1) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft.
