Mighty Cliché finished half-a-length ahead of Uno Valoroso at Hexham last month and the pair meet on identical terms today. Milan Royale is only 3lb higher than when beating Hallmark Star at the same course but has disappointed since and the latter is better off at the weights and could well turn the tables. BRUNELLO was pulled up in Uno Valoroso's race at Hexham in November but came right back to form at Catterick last time and a repeat of that effort may well suffice here despite the 7lb higher mark.
Hallmark Star 10-1 (11-6) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened last, 4th of 8, 29l behind Romany Ryme (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Brunello 10-1 (11-9) Mid-division, reminders after 4th and soon chased leaders, led 7th, headed 3 out, ridden before last, rallied to regain lead close home, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Dec beating Moonlight Maggie (10-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Uno Valoroso (FR) 7-4fav (11-9) Led, headed run-in, no extra and lost 2nd place close home, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Amethyst Rose (11-2) at Hexham 2m hcp 0-100 (5) hvy in Dec.
Milan Royale 7-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 8th until 9th, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 10, 49l behind Oorayvic (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) gd in Dec.
Coquet Head 25-1 (10-5) In rear, mistake 6 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, 25l behind Houndscourt (10-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Mighty Cliche (IRE) 2-1fav (9-11) Towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 7th, in a race won by Boric (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft, 6 ran.
Forestside (IRE) 5-1 (10-0) Led from 2nd, headed before 4th, pushed along before 6th, looking held when blundered and unseated rider 9th, in a race won by Amethyst Rose (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Dec, 5 ran.
