The shortlist is made up of Heavenly Leader, Little Rocker and Sydney Greenstreet, with the vote going to Little Rocker. The well-bred Heavenly Leader cost 18,000 guineas and could be interesting. Little Rocker cost 26,000 guineas and gets the same comment. Sydney Greenstreet has shown a fair level of form in two career starts to date, while Young Smokey hinted at ability on his Wetherby debut. Finally, better could rightfully have been expected of Bannow Beach on his debut; however, unless the market tells its own tale, the winner should come from one of the first three mentioned, of which we will side with Little Rocker, whose stable tends to do well in this type of race.
Heavenly Leader Supreme Leader gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Little Rocker (IRE) Rock Hopper gelding, half-brother to useful chaser Too Forward.
Mountain Mix 20-1 (11-0) Held up and keen, weakened over 5f out, 7th of 13, 29l behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Nacho des Uncheres (FR) Bulington gelding half-brother to two minor French chase winners.
Sydney Greenstreet (GER) 11-2 (11-4) Held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders after 6f, ridden over 4f out, stayed on, 4th of 13, 7l behind Senora Snoopy (10-11) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec.
Young Smokey (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) With leaders until lost place over 3f out, 6th of 12, 27l behind Wind Instrument (11-5) at Wetherby 1m 6f nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Bannow Beach (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, saddle slipped, joined leaders after 4f , pulled up before halfway pulled up in race won by Astarador (10-2) at Catterick 2m nhf (6) gd in Jan, 15 ran.
Rosehill Lady Mister Lord mare out of a lightly-raced mare.
