Although the rating ceiling on this contest is 100 the top-weight is rated 8lb below that. The key form line is a Hexham event in which Duke Of Malfi, NORMINSTER and Frith were the first three home. The second and third placed horses are now 4lb and 8lb better off respectively with Duke Of Malfi. When Ryan Mania's 7lb claim is taken into account, Norminister, despite his more exposed profile looks fairly treated renewing rivalry with the previously mentioned two. A winner on his penultimate start when dropped back in trip. Despite this been over two miles, it might turn into a bit of a slog around here and Norminister will not be found wanting. Duke Of Malfi is 8lb higher for that victory for that Hexham win. He is only twice raced over fences and open to further improvement while Frith remains a maiden. Well-supported last time out, it is difficult to see him turning the form around with his rivals from last time out here. Smart Man made a winning return to action last month. His jumping will need to be improved upon. Top-weight Murphys Beau makes his chasing debut here. This was always going to be his game as opposed to hurdling. Norminister is selected to achieve win number two here.
Murphys Beau (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Mid-division, driven and one pace from 2 out, 5th of 18, 15l behind Run Forest Run (10-9) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Duke of Malfi 5-1 (11-3) Made all, held on well, won at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy beating Norminster (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Shelomoh (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened after 11th, behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Flying Falcon (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3f beg chs (4) gs in Feb, 16 ran.
Malt de Vergy (FR) 17-2 (10-5) Held up, headway approaching 7th, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Loita Hills (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May, 9 ran.
Norminster 9-2jt-fav (10-13) In touch, headway 4 out, effort between last 2, one pace flat, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Duke of Malfi (11-3) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Lusento (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Towards rear, steady headway when fell 4 out in race won by Run To Space (10-13) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft, 8 ran.
Storm Surge (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up, not fluent 1st or 2nd, tailed off 8th, 5th of 6, well behind The Good Guy (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Toulouse Express (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) Towards rear, pushed along 4 out, no impression, 5th of 11, 23l behind Duke of Malfi (11-3) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Lerida 9-2jt-fav (10-5) Prominent, weakened after 6th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Duke of Malfi (11-3) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy, 11 ran.
Frith (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Prominent, effort between last 2, no extra flat, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Duke of Malfi (11-3) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Smart Man 9-2jt-fav (10-8) Balked 1st, mid-division, headway 13th, pushed along approaching 4 out, left in lead 2 out, headed after last, rallied, soon led, just held on, won at Newcastle 3m hcp chs (5) gd in Oct beating Sam Cruise (11-0) by a hd, 15 ran.
Neidpath Castle 15-2 (10-3) Prominent, effort approaching 3 out, 3rd and held when blundered and unseated rider at the last in race won by Sunny Brook (10-13) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy, 7 ran.
