Seeyouatmidnight has just the one start last year and that was over hurdles. But he’s won over these fences before and jockey bookings suggest he’s preferred to stablemate Seldom Inn, a well beaten third at Kelso. FIRTH OF THE CLYDE won a veterans’ chase here in 2016 and will be sharper for a recent comeback run at Newcastle. Now back on a winning mark, Ruth Jefferson’s charge gets the nod over Blakemount, who also won over these fences last year and is only 2lb higher today. Houblon Des Obeaux is still capable on his day but Scotswell looks high enough in the weights.
Seeyouatmidnight 3-1fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Big River (10-9) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (2) hvy in Mar.
Houblon Des Obeaux (FR) 16-1 (11-7) Mid-division, lost place halfway, blundered 16th, tailed off, soon pulled up, at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp (2) sft in Feb.
Seldom Inn 8-1 (11-8) Led, headed before 4 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 4, 32 1/2l behind Big River (10-9) at Kelso 2m 7f (2) hvy in Feb.
Firth Of The Clyde 22-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 10th, chased winner next, no impression 2 out, lost 2nd before last, no extra flat, 4th of 6, 11l behind Smooth Stepper (11-4) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Blakemount (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) With leader, lost place before 4 out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression after, 6th of 30, 8 3/4l behind Vicente (11-10) at Ayr 4m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Scotswell 15-2 (11-1) Led to 4 out, weakened next, pulled up, at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
