As mares' handicaps go, this looks quite competitive though Scotsbrook Legend might struggle to get involved carrying more than her allotted weight and Lindsay's Dream has lost her way lately. White Diamond likes this sharp track but has been raised 6lb since losing out narrowly over C&D last month and A Little Swifter may need a stiffer test of stamina but Huntingdon winner Belle De Fontenay can't be ignored and Scholastica ran very well in a Listed contest at Haydock after winning by 20 lengths at Uttoxeter. CHICKLEMIX was tried over fences here in October but didn't take to the larger obstacles. She's been quick to find her feet again over timber and can follow up her recent Wetherby win off a 5lb higher mark.
Belle De Fontenay (FR) 10-1 (11-5) Made all, ridden 3 out, pressed last, driven and all out, won at Huntingdon 2m mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Nov beating Synthe Davis (11-9) by hd, 6 ran.
A Little Swifter (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, went 3rd 11th, mistake and lost 3rd 4 out, weakened after next, 7th of 10, 28l behind Valmari (10-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) sft.
Chicklemix 4-1 (11-3) In touch, led 2 out, driven out flat, won at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Dec beating Pertuis (10-1) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Scholastica 3-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders approaching 3rd, effort after last, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, 8l behind She Ranks Me (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f mares Listed nov hdl (1) hvy in Dec.
Lindsay's Dream 8-1 (10-5) Held up behind on outside, outpaced after 3 out, never dangerous, 8th of 10, well behind Seedsman (11-1) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) hvy in Nov.
White Diamond 18-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, led 4th, joined 3 out, headed next, rallied to have every chance last, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Shilpa (10-5) at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Scotsbrook Legend 8-1 (10-10) Towards rear, weakened 5th, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Home Run (11-2) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) hvy in Dec, 14 ran.