Statistical and King Cool are both recent winners so have to go on the short-list in a race like this but Affaire D'Honneur has never really fulfilled potential and only won a seller at Worcester in the summer. SHILLINGSWORTH is eased in grade and a clear round last time at Wincanton should have restored some confidence – this looks a good opportunity for a first victory. Some Operator has been lightly raced but ran a shocker on his handicap debut and none of the others make much appeal.
The Major General (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Behind, headway 3 out, soon outpaced, weakened next, 6th of 9, 28 1/2l behind Potters Midnight (11-11) at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Statistical (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Prominent, progress to lead before 6th, not fluent at last, driven out run-in, comfortably, won at Tramore 2m 6f gd in Aug beating Ourmanmassini (11-12) by 2l, 15 ran.
King Cool 9-2 (11-12) Waited with in rear, steady headway approaching 3 out, led going well on outside before 2 out, soon clear, won at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Jan beating Stonemadforspeed (11-7) by 6l, 9 ran.
Shillingsworth (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Chased leaders on outside, not fluent 8th, pushed along and weakening when mistake 2 out, blundered last, 7th of 12, 25 1/4l behind Myplaceatmidnight (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Canny Tom (IRE) 66-1 (11-9) Mid-division, closed on outside after 3rd, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 10, 7 3/4l behind Larch Hill (11-6) at Warwick 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Don't Tell George (FR) 14-1 (10-12) Keen in touch, pushed along 4 out, weakened after next, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Forecast (11-6) at Lingfield 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Affaire D'Honneur (FR) 8-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, well beaten before 3 out, 6th of 8, 33l behind Turning Gold (11-7) at Leicester 2m hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Loud As Lions (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway halfway, under pressure after 4 out, weakened next, 11th of 14, 34 1/2l behind Golden Whisky (12-2) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Some Operator (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Prominent, lost place after 6th, well beaten next, 14th of 15, dist behind Oliver's Island (10-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Patience Tony (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) Led and jumped badly right, ridden before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, last of 7, dist behind Kloud Gate (12-1) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Dec.
