Strong Economy stayed on past tiring rivals to score over the track and trip last month so conditions will again be in his favour. Manetti hasn't proved he stays this far under Rules and is 5lb out of the handicap but LATE ROMANTIC looks the one to beat if coming here rather than Sandown where he's engaged in a veterans' contest. Oliver Greenall's charge returned to winning ways in a Class 2 handicap at Haydock a month ago and a 5lb rise doesn't look enough to prevent a double. Takingrisks won a Listed handicap at Newcastle just over a year ago and ran very well in the same contest in November so has to be greatly respected despite a big weight.
Takingrisks (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) Close up, went 3rd at 12th, ridden 3 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 6 1/2l behind Yorkhill (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp lst (1) gd in Nov.
Late Romantic (IRE) 10-1 (10-8) Soon chasing leaders, went 2nd 5 out, ridden between last 2, 3 lengths down last, closed on idling/tiring leader to lead near finish, won at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (2) hvy in Dec beating The Dutchman (11-2) by hd, 7 ran.
Strong Economy (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up last, still plenty to do 4 out, headway on outside next, went 2nd 2 out, led and dived at last, soon joined, stayed on gamely to assert towards finish, won at Ayr 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Up Helly Aa King (11-8) by 1l, 6 ran.
Sutton Manor (IRE) 50-1 (10-6) Close up and chased leader, travelling well and disputing lead when fell 15th, at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Manetti (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Towards rear, lost touch with leaders after 8th, left in distant 3rd 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, dist behind Castle Rushen (11-4) at Ayr 2m 3f (4) hvy in Nov.
Donna's Diamond (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Led, not fluent 3rd, ridden and joined 4 out, headed 3 out, weakened from 2 out, last of 6, 23 3/4l behind West To The Bridge (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Nov.
