Bottomless going suits HUKA LODGE and he can take this at the expense of Bannister Lane and Ripalong Lad. James Ewart's charge found just the one too good last time out but was probably inconvenienced by the fact that there were fences omitted on that occasion. He is a course winner and that counts for plenty. Bannister Lane represents an in form yard. He was a little disappointing when allowed a soft lead at Wetherby and won't get that luxury here. Ripalong Lad makes the long journey from deepest Wales. He is a previous winner at the track and is a big player if truly staying the extra couple of furlongs. Himalayan Trail was quietly fancied as a National horse a while ago though has not lived up to expectations. Teeming Rain is sure to be popular with Tony McCoy aboard though the horse's form figures look more suited to scrabble rather than steeplechasing. Minster Shadow and Star Player are two chasing types to be watched in the market. Prince De Beauchene and Gypsy George have finished behind our selection previously and will do well to carry heavy weights under the likely conditions. It cannot be testing enough for Huka Lodge and he carries our hopes in this race.
Prince De Beauchene (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) Held up in touch, led 2nd, jumped left 8th, ridden approaching last, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Huka Lodge (10-8) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
Gypsy George 6-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along approaching 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 10, well behind Mr Strachan (11-4) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy.
Huka Lodge (IRE) 7-2fav (10-7) Led, hit 3 out, ridden approaching last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Mr Strachan (11-4) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy.
Bannister Lane 4-1 (11-8) Led, ridden approaching 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Flake (11-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy.
Himalayan Trail 9-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway 6 out, hit 11th, no impression, 3rd of 8, 42l behind Huka Lodge (10-8) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
Teeming Rain (IRE) 22-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, hit 1st, given reminders, jumped left 4th, headway when not fluent 7th, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Le Beau Bai (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy, 14 ran.
Minster Shadow 6-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, weakening when hit 5 out, 5th of 8, well behind Huka Lodge (10-8) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
Star Player (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) Tracked leaders, going well when pulled up quickly after 12th, lame, in a race won by Merigo (10-0) at Ayr 3m 1f nov chs (2) gd in Apr '08, 8 ran.
Ripalong Lad (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) In touch, chased clear leader from 5th, led 3 out, clear when hit last, kept on well, won at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Oct beating Native City (11-12) by 12l, 6 ran.
Master Sebastian 22-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, pushed along half way, weakened 13th, 7th of 8, well behind Huka Lodge (10-8) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
