held up, headway 4 out, ridden & one-paced from 3 out
mid-division, ridden 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, well tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 5th, led again 7th, stayed on well from 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, gradually weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, kept on one-paced from 3 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner from 2 out, no extra
held up, ridden & weakened from halfway
prominent, ridden 4 out, gradually weakened
always behind when pulled up before 2 out
prominent, ridden 7th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out
Prince Dundee (FR) Fifth in a Warwick novices' handicap over 2 miles last time (Royal Allegiance-now only 3lbs better off-was well behind that day). Entitled to a chance at this level.
Monacle Had a break since his two hurdle wins but a recent pipe-opener on the flat should have put him right. Every chance here.
Lord Scroop (IRE) Has suggested that he is worth a try over this trip. Not without a chance. Acts on heavy.
The Pickled Duke (IRE) Winning chaser who stays 3 miles well. Handicapped up to his best hurdles form. Acts on heavy.
Chopins Revolution Improved from his debut and for a step up in trip when winning at Exeter on Jan 1 (2m 6.5f, heavy). Raised 10lbs for that so he'll need to improve again. Drops back in trip but is not without chances.
Passing Wind (NZ) Has certainly suggested that he is up to winning a race but has made a habit of falling.
Strawman Has shown some promise and this trip might suit him better. Should handle the ground.
Ice Saint Finished behind Royal Allegiance at Wincanton in November over 2 miles, But then beat him at the same track in December. Tries a new trip here. Handles the ground.
Damoiselle A half-sister to Land Afar, she has shown some promise and, only 5 years old, is entitled to be improving.
Royal Allegiance Has form with Prince Dundee and Ice Saint. Had Chopin's Revolution behind when winning a novices' handicap hurdle at Stratford in October. Now 2lbs higher.
Danny Bell (IRE) A good placed effort at Aintree in November at around this mark. Has to overcome a two month break.
Blythe Lady Has shown little to provide encouragement this season despite a drop in the weights.