Kosta Brava was conceding 10lb to Cranky Corner when beaten two and a half lengths at Sedgefield and should have little problem turning the tables on today's terms. Sam Lord was consistent enough over timber and there's no reason why he shouldn't make a chaser but King In Waiting didn't appear to enjoy jumping the bigger obstacles on his three starts two years ago though they were all in better company. Twentynineblack won his last two races over timber before turning to fences where he made a fair debut at Hexham. He's not gone on from that however and was completely tailed off in a jumper's bumper at Southwell last time. HEAVENLY CHORUS reverts to novice company after winning two C&D handicaps and with her jumping having improved dramatically she can complete a hat-trick.
Cranky Corner 4-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd, took closer order 8th, led 4 out, ridden approaching last, held on well, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan beating Kosta Brava (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Golden Globe (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, behind when blundered 9th, no chance after, tailed off, 6th of 9, 27l behind Nelliedonethat (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Humbie (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, always towards rear, 6th of 12, 29l behind Glencree (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f beg chase (4) gs in Jan.
King In Waiting (IRE) 9-4fav (11-2) In touch, chased winner after 3 out, stumbled on landing 2 out, ridden and hit last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 11, 7l behind Moonstreaker (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Kosta Brava (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) Held up in touch on inside, took keen hold, chased winner before 2 out, ridden and every chance on approach when blundered last, kept on towards finish, always held, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Cranky Corner (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan.
Sam Lord 16-1 (10-3) Held up, headway 3 out, chased winner from 2 out until weakened towards finish, 3rd of 14, 16l behind Honest John (10-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Feb '10.
Twentynineblack (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, weakened over 5f out, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Cloudy Spirit (10-7) at Southwell 2m Nat Hunt Flat (4yo+) (AWT) (4) std in Dec.
Heavenly Chorus 7-2 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 8th, ridden after 2 out, led after last, stayed on strongly to clear run-in, won at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan beating Blackpool Billy (11-12) by 4l, 11 ran.
