The more competitive of the two divisions with preference given to Mick Easterby's consistent Middlethorpe who has been running some good races in defeat this season and is overdue a win. In his favour is his ability to run well on a heavy surface and is the confident TEAMtalk selection. Diamond Max showed his liking for obstacles when finishing fourth in a better race than this at Haydock 17 days ago. Sikasso ran well on his first jumps run for two years at Newcastle two weeks ago and having shown ability in desperate conditions on the flat should put up a good account of himself here. Both Jokesmith and Maniatis showed ability on the flat but neither seemed happy on a really soft surface and may be best watching on this occasion.
