Jonniesofa won a Grade 2 hurdle back in 2016 and has won over this course and distance. He reappeared with a victory at Carlisle on heavy ground and should make a bold bid to complete a double from 3lb higher. Flowery landed a Class 2 handicap at Sedgefield in March and returned to action with a solid performance here in October so is greatly respected though EVANDER looks the one to beat. He made all for a very easy victory at Doncaster and though engaged to carry top weight at Sandown is likely to head here instead. Charmant, whose last two runs have been at Listed level, has won over hurdles and fences around here while Clan Legend returned to form with a convincing victory at Aintree for which he's been raised 8lb. Guitar Pete has competed at a much higher level and with a recent run under his belt can also make his presence felt in an intriguing handicap.
Flowery (IRE) 13-2 (11-11) Led 3rd until 5th, tracked leader but pushed along after slight mistake 5 out, effort 3 out, kept on but not pace of winner, 2nd of 8, 3 3/4l behind Drumconnor Lad (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) hvy in Oct.
Guitar Pete (IRE) 15-2 (11-12) Soon held up towards rear, headway chasing leaders before 9th, pushed along after 12th, soon ridden, stayed on same pace in 4th from 3 out, 4th of 9, 6l behind Johnbb (11-3) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Charmant (FR) 28-1 (10-5) Well towards rear, hampered 11th, behind from 13th, tailed off, 7th of 10, 33 1/4l behind Yorkhill (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp lst (1) gd in Nov.
Clan Legend 12-1 (11-2) Mid-division, mistake 10th, good headway on inside chasing leaders approaching 10th, went 2nd 3 out, challenged next, led on long run before last, stayed on strongly, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Dashing Perk (11-5) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Evander (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) won at Doncaster 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Captain Blackpearl (11-8) by 14l, 4 ran.
Jonniesofa (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Chased front pair, niggled along to lead before 4 out, ran on after 2 out, big jump last, tired on the run-in, just held on final strides, won at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Informateur (11-1) by nk, 7 ran.
