A match-up between Joacci and Schuh Shine can go to the former, with What A Scientist most likely to fill third place. The selection has cruised to victory on his last two starts and is really enjoying his racing at present. He is the class horse in the race, and after losing his confidence off a high chase mark last year, he is on form over these lesser obstacles. The stable is flying at present and he gets the confident vote. Schuh Shine is chasing a four-timer here after scraping home last time out at Fontwell over a longer trip. The drop in trip will suit today but he looks outclassed here. What A Scientist won well against Evelith Forest nineteen days ago at Towcester and will have no problem should conditions become testing, however he looks booked for place money only today. At a price Coorbawn Vic could run into a place, whilst Teamgeist should improve for this, his hurdling debut. Ultimately it looks a two-horse race and we will side with David Pipe's Joacci to lead them home.
Joaaci (IRE) 2-9fav (11-12) Made virtually all, easily, won at Hereford 3m 2f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Elbow Lane (11-5) by 6l, 13 ran.
Schuh Shine (IRE) 4-9fav (11-4) Prominent, led after 5th, hard ridden flat, all out, won at Fontwell 3m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating The Risky Viking (10-9) by 2l, 9 ran.
Desperate Dex (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Always behind, beaten when pulled up 4 out in race won by Albertas Run (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
The Painkiller (IRE) 10-3 (11-5) Led until after 1st, remained prominent, ridden after 7th, mistake 8th, soon weakened, mistake 3 out, 6th of 7, 18l behind Blaze Ahead (10-6) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
What A Scientist (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) In touch, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on well, won at Towcester 3m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Evelith Forrest (11-4) by 3l, 6 ran.
Coorbawn Vic (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) With leaders, led 3 out, headed after 2 out, regained lead last, headed flat, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Ikemba (9-9) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.
Red Man Ray (IRE) 50-1 (11-6) Raced wide, held up, ridden between last 2, no real impression, 5th of 8, 32l behind Melba Toast (11-6) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Teamgeist (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) Towards rear, stayed on well final 3f, 4th of 19, 10l behind Freddie The Third (10-7) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
