Crest made a successful racecourse debut for Gordon Elliott in March last year and has been placed several times subsequently. He's changed stables and this isn't the toughest of starts for new connections. Teddy Tee won over hurdles here a couple of years ago and was having only his second start over fences when a close third at Hexham last month while Strong Economy also has a course victory over timber to his credit and any further rain would aid his cause on his chasing debut. Winning point-to-pointer CELTIC FLAMES had been hinting at an imminent victory when racing over hurdles and made a successful chasing bow at Hexham last month when defying a last-fence error. There should be plenty more to come from Lucinda Russell's grey and he can overcome a 5lb rise. Presenting Rose is another having her first start over fences but she hasn't run well in her recent starts over hurdles.
Crest 2-1fav (11-12) Chased leader, slow 6th and lost a few places, 5th and slight mistake next, mistake 10th, slight mistake next and soon pulled up, at Tipperary 2m 7f gd in May.
Teddy Tee (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) In touch, ridden before last in 3rd place, one pace, 3rd of 8, 5 1/4l behind Western Jo (11-12) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Strong Economy (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-12) Led to after 3rd, tracked leader, driven and lost place approaching 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression with front pair before last, 3rd of 4, 11l behind Jet Master (11-6) at Perth 2m hcp (4) hvy in Sep.
Celtic Flames (IRE) 5-2 (10-10) Chased leader, led 3rd (water), headed approaching 4 out, chased leader, upsides when pecked last, led again final 150 yards, stayed on, won at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Nov beating Charlie Snow Angel (10-2) by 4l, 7 ran.
Presenting Rose (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, led until before 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 11, 27 1/4l behind Attention Seaker (11-2) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
