Those at the top of the handicap appear somewhat out of form, which is something that cannot be said about the current figures of the Henry Daly yard who saddle TIMPO here. He stayed on with dour resolution to score at Towcester last time, has won or placed in seven of his ten chase runs and looks sure to give a good account. C&D winner Ere Alfie looks fairly weighted and would be a leading candidate at his best, whilst Civil Servant steps up considerably in trip over fences. There must be question marks about him getting the trip but he deserves a place on the shortlist off this attractive mark.
Emperor Concerto 15-2 (11-4) In rear, under pressure 11th, soon behind, pulled up 4 out, in a race won by Calusa Caldera (11-3) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Mar, 8 ran.
Maraafeq (USA) 12-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, behind when brought down 7th, in a race won by Strongbows Legend (11-3) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
Plunkett (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, hit 8th, headway 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 9, 24l behind Niceonefrankie (10-10) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Jan.
Tyup Pompey (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Led, headed before 2nd, tracked leaders, mistake 4th, rider lost iron, soon lost place, jumped left 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 12th, in a race won by Rockiteer (11-9) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Nov, 9 ran.
Minella Bliss (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Held up, struggling 15th, went modest 4th 2 out, 4th of 8, 27l behind Brackloon High (11-0) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chase (4) sft in Jan.
Timpo (FR) 5-1 (11-10) Led 2nd, headed 11th, led again 13th, driven out, won at Towcester 3m hcp 0-100 (5) gd in Nov beating Overton Lad (10-2) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Ere Alfie (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Led until 2nd, led again next, headed 2 out, no extra last, 3rd of 8, 16l behind Bishophill Jack (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Dec.
Civil Servant 8-1 (11-3) Prominent, went 2nd after 4th, mistake next, led 12th, headed after next, mistake 3 out, no extra last, 5th of 9, 16l behind Esteem (9-7) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Jan.
