None of the quintet can be definitely discounted but Shockingtimes hasn't been seen over timber since 2012 and could find this tough against younger opposition and Minella Daddy will need to improve on efforts to date according to the formbook. Kilcullen Flem, a winning pointer on testing ground, was far from disgraced on hurdling debut back in September but hasn't been seen since and could just need the run. In contrast, stable companion Preseli Rock ran very well when third behind Champers On Ice at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and has strong claims. However, he's yet to go further than 2m4f whereas BATTLE DUST is a tough battler who stays three miles well and handles testing conditions. He's gone well on all three hurdling starts and Kim Bailey's charge is just preferred.
Battle Dust (IRE) 2-1 (11-12) With leader, led narrowly after 1st, headed narrowly 4 out (usual 5 out), ridden after 3 out, regained lead before next, joined last, headed flat, kept on, just held, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Howaboutnever (11-7) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Kilcullen Flem (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led, hard ridden when challenged 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat, 4th of 12, 7 3/4l behind Crazy Jack (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep.
Minella Daddy (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Prominent, 4th and ridden approaching 3 out, jumped right and one pace 2 out, weakened before last, 5th of 13, 16 3/4l behind Millanisi Boy (11-6) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
Shockingtimes (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, mistake 2nd, blundered 5 out, soon pulled up, at Wincanton 3m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Preseli Rock (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Tracked winner from 2nd until 3 out, edged left approaching last, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 10, 8 1/4l behind Champers On Ice (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (3) hvy in Jan.
