Quite a few potential improvers here but none more so than PINK PLAY who created a good impression when scoring snugly at Southwell last time on the back of two useful runner-up efforts. She can improve again for her up-and-coming yard and will have no problem with the forecast heavy conditions. Bella's form shrieks inconsistency but she looked good on her comeback run last December and will get involved if on a going day. Deja Bougg is interesting as a lightly-raced improver but the consistent and reliable Alizee De Janeiro and last-time winner May Hay look more logical threats in a competitive contest.
Bella (FR) 25-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led before last, clear flat, ran on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) sft in Dec beating Dusky Legend (11-6) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.
Whatdoesthefoxsay (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on outside, pecked 7th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out, at Doncaster 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Pink Play (IRE) 11-10fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led after 3rd, clear 2 out, easily, won at Southwell 2m mdn (4) hvy in Dec beating Secret Door (11-0) by 3 3/4l, 7 ran.
Alizee De Janeiro (FR) 7-2fav (11-6) Mid-division, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, every chance after next, led 2 out, headed before last, no extra flat, 2nd of 12, 18l behind Maxie T (11-12) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
May Hay 2-1fav (11-12) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, drew clear on bit between last 2, unextended, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Beyondtemptation (10-8) by 12l, 4 ran.
Deja Bougg 14-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, effort when mistake 2 out, one pace run-in, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Awesome Rosie (10-10) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Dec.
Rivabodiva (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Held up in touch, headway to challenge 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last, 4th of 7, 11 1/2l behind Presenting Rose (10-12) at Kelso 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Bobble Boru (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Jumped left, led, jumped big 2nd, headed last, (normal 3 out), no impression on winner bypassing omitted last, 2nd of 4, 12l behind Black Narcissus (10-12) at Towcester 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
