A tough race for punters can be won by Ice Melted, with Kilty Storm, Flintoff and Sharp Jack looking to be the main dangers. The selection relished the ground when swooping to win last time out on his first try at this trip, and he looks the most unexposed horse in the line-up. He travelled sweetly that day and with the services of AP McCoy aboard, he looks the value call. Sharp Jack nearly got back up to win at Wetherby a fortnight ago, however that was a tough race and those exertions could have dampened his chances today. However if they haven't, then this strong-traveller must rate a very live danger. Flintoff finally got his head in front over fences with a facile win just four days ago. He steps up to this trip for the first time today and so is another to consider, but this could turn into a real slog so we must pass him over. Kilty Storm proved that there are no doubts about his stamina when staying on strongly to score at Sedgefield last month, however that form looks average at best, and he will do well to hump his big weight around today. Overall then, Ice Melted looks the one with the most scope, and so he gets our nomination.
Kilty Storm (IRE) 4-7fav (11-6) Made all, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov chs (4) hvy in Dec beating Noir Et Vert (11-6) by 4l, 7 ran.
Fool On The Hill 20-1 (11-6) Behind, ridden and struggling 12th, 5th of 10, 31l behind Alderburn (11-6) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Dec.
Flintoff (USA) 2-1 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, led 8th, clear when hit 3 out, heavily eased flat, won at Wetherby 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy beating Canada Street (11-3) by 26l, 5 ran.
Tanterari (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Held up, hit 14th, short-lived effort approaching 4 out, beaten when hit 3 out, 3rd of 7, 45l behind Latimer's Place (11-8) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
Desailly 17-2 (11-4) Held up, headway 9th, chased leaders from 13th, stayed on same pace from after 4 out, 3rd of 7, 23l behind Tango Royal (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Ice Melted (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Held up, headway approaching 11th, led after 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Bangor 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Dec beating Predestine (10-4) by 2l, 5 ran.
Sharp Jack (IRE) 3-1 (10-9) In touch, led briefly 3 out, outpaced before last, stayed on well run-in, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Kerry Lads (11-12) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy.
King of Gothland (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Close up, lost place 7th, headway after 3 out, led last, ridden and stayed on, won at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Dec beating Commercial Express (11-11) by 12l, 12 ran.
Harrycone Lewis 9-1 (11-1) Led until headed and ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 10l behind Just Beth (10-10) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) sft in Dec.
Alexanderthegreat (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Held up, struggling when hit 14th, soon tailed off, virutally pulled up flat, 6th of 8, well behind Ever Present (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec.
