The Knoxs did well to win last time and should be suited by stepping up in distance but in WILL BE DONE he meets one that could be too good and the last named is consequently given a strong vote. Donald McCain's gelding has been off the track since January when taking a narrow second in graded company over fences and a rating of 147 in that sphere makes the eight-year-old impossible to overlook despite the fact that this will be his first attempt over hurdles and bigger targets doubtless await. Softened ground will pose no problems for this four-time winner and we expect him to be sent off a well-backed favourite and duly land the spoils. The Knoxs stands out as the main danger to our selection having done well to win over an inadequate two miles on his British debut when a little keen and if settling better this promising six-year-old should run well under a penalty with the trip expected to bring about some improvement. That victory was the gelding's first run in over a year and he should strip fitter today having been given ample time to recover from those exertions and as such he is the biggest threat to our choice. The McCain second string Scottish Munros returns to the same course and distance as when a very decent second to a promising sort and should run another solid race with conditions to suit although it would surely surprise connections were he to beat their better fancied runner. Oil Burner took second to Washington Irving on his debut over course and distance and so it will be interesting to see how that one fares in the first on the card but either way it was undoubtedly a promising start for this four-year-old who could go well at a price, as could Tyrone House who is closely matched with Scottish Munros on previous running and might go off a much bigger price than that one. Of the remainder Jurisdiction remains capable of better but will need to sharpen up his jumping whilst Aint She The Lady has place claims but this could be another one for favourite backers as Will Be Done looks set to oblige.
The Knoxs (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, went 2nd approaching 4 out, led next, kept on well from last, won at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Diklers Oscar (10-5) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
Arran Law (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, driven and kept on from 2 out, no impression, 7th of 13, 15l behind Mcmurrough (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Bel Hugo (FR) Astarabad gelding out of La Pitchoun.
Danny John Boy 5-4 (12-0) Prom til wknd app 2 out, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Overjoyed (11-7) at Aspatria 3m ptp gs in May.
Fiddlers Reel 15-2 (11-0) Held up, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 9, 24l behind Peddlers Cross (11-0) at Haydock 2m NH flat (4) sft in Nov.
Jurisdiction 10-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden to chase leaders approaching 3 out, soon no impression, stayed on to go moderate 3rd and jumped left last, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Frankie Anson (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Oil Burner 25-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, ridden approaching 3 out, soon headway, stayed on from last nearest finish, 2nd of 12, 15l behind Washington Irving (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Playing The Field (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, pushed along after 9th, hit 12th soon weakened, 6th of 7, well behind Charingworth (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mdn chs (4) gd in Nov.
Return Perk (IRE) Bob's Return gelding out of Lucky Perk.
Rydale Lad (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Shuil Na Mhuire.
Scottish Munros 16-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, behind from 5th, headway approaching 7th, no impression, 5th of 9, 7l behind Whats Up Woody (11-0) at Hexham 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy.
Tyrone House (IRE) 11-2 (10-5) Held up in touch and keen, led and not fluent 3 out, headed last, no extra when lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Alvarado (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) hvy in Nov.
Will Be Done (IRE) 15-8fav (11-7) Led, quickened 9th, joined 3 out, ridden next, headed soon after last, carried right flat, kept on, just held, 2nd of 5, nk behind Kornati Kid (11-4) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs G2 (1) sft in Jan.
Aint She The Lady (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, chased winner last, edged left flat, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Aibrean (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Euphemia (IRE) 200-1 (10-1) Held up towards rear, reminders after 3rd, behind and struggling from next, 11th of 12, well behind Now This Is It (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Sep.
