The richest race on the card this, with MINELLA BOYS our idea of the winner, with anticipated rivals being Snake Charmer and Imtihan. This is going to be a real test of stamina, and Tim Walford's gelding is more than capable of handling that, as he aims to complete a hat-trick. The other victories came last month here and at Catterick in the mud, and the worse the conditions, the more he seems to relish it. He's got a lot to carry around, but he did on those occasions too. In time he'll make a chaser. The opposition's not that great, but Snake Charmer may find the ground too soft. His best has come on faster going, and he's been tried at this sort of distance too often. Imtihan may find the trip too much but should handle the ground, and Sue Smith's runners here should always be respected. Polobury was runner up here last month Minella Boys and has plenty in hand at the weights and first time blinkers, but those factors may not be enough to deny Minella Boys a hat-trick.
Minella Boys (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Always prominent, went 2nd before 8th, led 3 out, ridden clear approaching last, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Jan beating Lockstown (10-3) by 12l, 13 ran.
Snake Charmer 20-1 (10-10) Mid-division on outside, headway 9th, weakened after 3 out, 5th of 12, 20l behind Maktu (10-9) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan.
Imtihan (IRE) 20-1 (9-11) Chased leader, weakened after 4 out, 7th of 13, 26l behind Laredo Sound (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
Glen Omen (IRE) 50-1 (10-13) Led until after 1st, chased leader, hit 8th, weakening when hampered on bend soon after, 11th of 18, well behind Heathcliff (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Darina's Boy 14-1 (11-5) Chased leaders approaching 5th, kept on from 3f out, no impression, 4th of 10, 18l behind Panama At Once (10-6) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan.
Classic Act 25-1 (11-3) In touch to 6th, soon beaten, 7th of 11, well behind Prince De Beauchene (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Whatadifference (USA) 20-1 (11-0) (tt) hdwy 8; wknd qckly 4 out, 5th of 6, 31l behind Lady Myfanwy (10-7) at Black Forest Ldg 3m ptp sft.
Polobury 11-2 (10-4) Always towards rear, struggling halfway, 7th of 14, 31l behind Kempski (11-5) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan.
Herbie (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Towards rear when fell at the 12th in race won by Nelliedonethat (10-11) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
