STORMY BEECH is the selection in this contest with Frith and Pauntley Gofa sure to have their supporters. The twelve-year-old is far from unexposed but he deserved his recent success after chasing home Wot Way Chief at Newcastle earlier in the month. Trip and going suit. Frith clearly wasn't bred to be handicap chasing at this time of the year. He's ran two relatively sound races in as many contests but he isn't one to get stuck into at short prices. Pauntley Gofa needs no introduction. He is arguably better on genuinely fast ground but two miles around here represents no undue test for him. Glimmer Of Light is more than capable so his recent run at Fontwell has to be counted as something of an offday. Oso Magic has not obliged for three years though has been taking on better opposition. Cedar Rapids has won over course and distance so is worthy of some respect under the circumstances. Falcon's Tribute has chased others home at a respectful distance but is noted in the market as her better runs have obtained at this time of the year. She looks the pick of the Peter Beaumont trio. Malt De Vergy has left Lenny Lungo and makes a debut for a new trainer today. One or two of these find winning difficult so we stick with the proven form of Stormy Beech.
Pauntley Gofa 10-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, went 2nd 5th, ridden next, ridden and chance approaching last, no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Mylord Collonges (11-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.
Oso Magic 8-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 4 out, 6th of 13, 39l behind Jeringa (10-5) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Stormy Beech 8-1 (10-9) Made all, driven 2 out, ridden and held on flat, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Nov beating Whatcanyasay (10-1) by 2l, 9 ran.
Falcon's Tribute (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Raced keenly in touch, led 3rd, headed 2 out, soon one pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 24l behind Hi Density (10-12) at Perth 2m hdl (4) gf in May.
Ocean Dancer 25-1 (11-9) Close up, weakened 10th, tailed off and pulled up at the 12th in race won by Sound Of Cheers (10-7) at Kelso 2m 6f sll hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in May, 14 ran.
Cedar Rapids (IRE) 13-2 (10-0) Chased winner to after 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 9, 16l behind Stormy Beech (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Nov.
Frith (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Prominent, effort between last 2, no extra flat, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Duke of Malfi (11-3) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Nov.
Glimmer of Light (IRE) 13-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 4th, hit 9th, headed 4 out, weakened next, tailed off, last of 5, well behind Gotontheluckyone (10-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f cnd hcp chs (5) gs in Nov.
Mystic Glen 20-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, joined leaders 10th, ridden after 5 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 15, 44l behind Ngong Hills (11-8) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (5) frm in Oct.
Red Dawn (IRE) 250-1 (10-10) Held up, lost place halfway, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Merchant Red (11-1) at Wetherby 2m beg chs (4) gf in Nov.
Bronze Dancer (IRE) 66-1 (10-0) In touch, hit 5th, soon lost place, behind when blundered 8th, no chance when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Bow School (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Nov, 13 ran.
Italiano 25-1 (11-9) Soon chasing leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, 4 lengths down in 3rd when blundered last, 4th of 10, 12l behind Lerida (9-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Oct.
Malt de Vergy (FR) 17-2 (10-5) Held up, headway approaching 7th, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Loita Hills (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May, 9 ran.
