Peak Seasons landed this prize 12 months ago but WANDERING MINSTRAL may foil his repeat bid whilst Bold Pioneer also rates a danger. The form of Tim Vaughan's yard is a concern but the selection showed ability for his former stable on occasion and appeals as the type that has the scope to climb the ranks if his new team can find the key to him as he makes his debut over fences. Bold Pioneer has done most of his recent running in sellers but he should be a threat at this level if taking to chasing. He missed 2008 so was entitled to need the two runs that he's had this season and he's run well at the track in the past. Peak Seasons is a relative veteran over fences in comparison to that pair and he has plenty of experience at the track. He's on the same mark as he was last year and looks ready to run a big race. Kinkeel regularly makes the frame and should give a good account of himself whilst King Diamond has bits and pieces of form to his name that suggest he could take a hand. All of the runners have a little to prove but we'll take a chance on Wandering Minstral.
Wandering Minstral 5-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, good headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, chased winner approaching next, kept on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Posh Emily (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Nov.
Peak Seasons (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Close up, chased leader 8th until next, soon ridden, kept on same pace from 2 out], 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Satindra (11-6) at Fakenham 2m Conditional Handicap Chase (0-85) (4yo+) (5) gd in Nov.
Bold Pioneer (USA) 7-1 (10-10) Led, raced keenly, headed after 1st, regained lead next, hit 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Prioryjo (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 1f sell hcp hld 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.
Kinkeel (IRE) 16-1 (9-13) Led to 6th, chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, no impression from next, 4th of 9, 8l behind Keyneema (10-11) at Hereford 2m hcp 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
King Diamond (FR) 6-1 (10-1) Mid-division, chased leaders halfway, effort 3 out, weakened before last, 5th of 13, 29l behind Ere Alfie (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp 0-90 (5) sft in Dec.
