A trappy affair with Presumptious preferred to Brave Rebellion and Le Corvee. The selection finished second to the useful Sunday City last time out and if the going remains on the faster side of good, he has to be worthy of consideration in a race of this nature. Brave Rebellion has not quite cut it over the larger obstacles. More is require on all recent evidence. Le Corvee holds alternate engagements over the next few days. He isn't the biggest of individuals but has solid claims against this opposition. Off Spin is watched in the market following absence. Red Moor was arguably flattered by his close-up second on his most recent start. In a tough race for punters, Presumptious looks the pick.
Brave Rebellion 5-1 (10-12) Chased leaders until weakened approaching 4 out, 5th of 8, 10l behind Akilak (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Le Corvee (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, led 2 out, headed last, ridden and kept on flat, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Pseudonym (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (3) gf.
Off Spin 40-1 (11-0) Mistake, always behind, hit 2nd, jumped right next not fluent 4th, soon tailed off, 9th of 10, 38l behind Boychuk (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Nov '05.
Ordre de Bataille (FR) 5-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, went 3rd after 3 out, soon no impression, jumped right last, 3rd of 10, 16l behind Here's Johnny (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Presumptuous 11-1 (11-2) In touch, jumped right from halfway, chased winner 3 out, no impression when blundered next, 2nd of 13, 9l behind Sunday City (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Red Moor (IRE) 5-2 (10-7) Led and set slow pace, hit 1st, headed approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, kept on last, not pace of winner flat, 2nd of 3, 1l behind Space Cowboy (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (3) gf in Nov.
