Rubberdubber secures the verdict ahead of Migwell and Big Bone. Charlie Egerton's charge looked to be pitched in off a fair mark on chasing debut at Newbury and he duly delivered. He has gone up 10lb for that victory but it would be no surprise to see him go in again as he won the Newbury contest as he liked and there does not look to be too much strength in depth at the moment. Migwell was a fair winner of a contest over 2.5 miles. He jumps well enough although he might be better for a step up in trip rather than a drop down as this is. Neither horse will want to give Big Bone a soft lead. Philip Hobbs' perennial front runner is likely to have come on greatly for his first run and he is likely to attempt to make all. Nycetos had shown form over hurdles but appeared to be penalised accordingly. This is a tough introduction in spite of the fact that he is technically well-in on those hurdle ratings. Madison Du Berlais ran a fair third at Warwick on his most recent start. The race was ran at a scorching gallop and there were many casualties as a result. Things will be a little more pedestrian this afternoon. Lord Lington has produced his better efforts with faster ground. Alphabetical is potentially unexposed. Rubberdubber looks a progressive sort and we shall not oppose on this occasion.
Migwell (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Disputed lead, led after 3 out, headed last, rallied and led near finish, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (D) gd in Dec beating Pardishar (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Rubberdubber 10-3fav (11-8) Held up, headway 10th, led 4 out, drew clear 2 out, eased near finish, won at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs beating Key Phil (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Lord Lington (FR) 20-1 (11-12) refused in race won by Roznic (10-9) at Warwick 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft, 7 ran.
Alphabetical (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway and chased leader after 8th, jumped well 11th, soon led, quickened clear 3 out, stumbled last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs beating Walcot Lad (10-2) by 17l, 7 ran.
Big Bone (FR) 10-1 (10-10) Led and soon clear, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Royal Hector (11-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd.
Nycteos (FR) 5-1jt-fav (11-9) Tracked leader, joined leader 5th, ridden 3 out, one pace from last, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Brooklyn Breeze (11-6) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gs in Oct.
Misty Dancer 66-1 (10-10) Led, headed briefly 6th and fell 5 out in race won by Taranis (10-9) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (C) gd in Nov, 11 ran.
Lord Archie (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Soon in mid-division, chased leaders from 9th, weakening when hampered 3 out, 6th of 10, well behind Sonevafushi (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Madison Du Berlais (FR) 9-2 (9-11) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 5th, led 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Tanikos (11-3) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs.
Master Billyboy (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) In touch, weakened approaching 11th, 11th of 15, 45l behind Glacial Delight (11-11) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Pin High (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Keen in mid-division, mistake 3rd, hit 5th, lost place next, soon behind, 7th of 11, 42l behind She's Our Native (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 5f amt hcp hdl (E) gs in Dec.
