An open-looking race in which narrow preference is for Cloudy Lane; Tora Bora, Standin Obligation and Brooklyn Brownie make it to the shortlist. The selection is sure to have come on for a recent run at Haydock where he only tired late on. Whilst this is unlikely to be his major target for the season, a big run should be forthcoming on his way possibly to the Welsh National. Tora Bora is consistent but continues to edge up the weights, whilst Standin Obligation should improve for his run a fortnight ago. Boychuk is a force on his day but arguably is high enough in the weights, whilst Aleron has been in good form this year and needs respect. Lothian Falcon and Thistlecraft appear two dangers lurking down the bottom of the weights. Catch The Perk is consistent and could easily be involved in the finish, however with fitness now assured it is Cloudy Lane who receives the vote.
Tora Bora (GER) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, led 7th, strongly pressed 2 out, headed and not pace of winner close home, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Arafan (9-11) at Ascot 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Boychuk (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Led, headed just after 4 out, relegated to 3rd when left 2nd 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Glasker Mill (11-0) at Cheltenham 3m Grad Ch (2) gd in Nov.
Standin Obligation (IRE) 28-1 (11-3) Held up, headway and in touch 3 out, effort next, one pace, 4th of 15, 10l behind Harmony Brig (10-12) at Newcastle 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs.
Briery Fox (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) Behind, mistake 5th, blundered and unseated rider at the 6th in race won by Mr Pointment (11-5) at Aintree 3m 2f lst hcp chs (1) gs in Nov, 19 ran.
Cloudy Lane 5-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, not fluent 1st, headway 5 out, led 3 out, headed approaching last, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 13l behind Opera Mundi (11-12) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov.
Umbrella Man (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Chased winner, mistake 9th, driven after 3 out, soon no impression, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Lord Jay Jay (10-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Aleron (IRE) 20-1 (10-1) In touch, went 2nd after 4 out, ridden and effort 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Harmony Brig (10-12) at Newcastle 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs.
Himalayan Trail 14-1 (10-1) Led, headed approaching 3rd, weakened 3 out, 6th of 8, 32l behind Dancer's Serenade (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft.
Brooklyn Brownie (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov beating The Dark Lord (11-9) by 6l, 9 ran.
Burntoakboy 25-1 (10-4) Mid-division, ridden after 4 out, never dangerous, 8th of 18, 19l behind Millenium Royal (11-12) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
Thistlecraft (IRE) 13-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, driven clear flat, won at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov beating Ballybough Jack (10-13) by 4l, 7 ran.
Lothian Falcon 5-1 (10-3) Held up towards rear, weakened approaching 3 out, 3rd of 13, 12l behind Opera Mundi (11-12) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov.
Catch The Perk (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, left in front after 11th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, led again 2 out, kept on gamely, headed and no extra flat, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Caipiroska (10-11) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Sept.
