It is hoped that the experience of a slightly disappointing chasing debut will stand MEPHISTO in good stead here, and he is taken to see off his five opponents, with Reel Charmer probably next best. Howard Johnson looks to have found a good opportunity for Mephisto, who is going chasing pretty late in life, but was the classiest of this lot over hurdles. He acts with cut, gets this trip and beyond, and can put his experience to good use. Reel Charmer probably has upwards of 7lbs to find with the selection on this, her chasing debut, and she gets the sex allowance here. She will be straighter for her recent pipe opener over hurdles but the yard's recent form does not inspire confidence. All For The Cause will relish this ground and although he has won over three miles in a point-to-point he has not proved he stays that far under rules. Cash Man comes from a yard in form and pops up occasionally, but you would be hard pressed to fancy him today on recent evidence, and we will take Mephisto to score.
All For The Cause (IRE) 10-3 (11-0) Tracked leaders, blundered 1st, ridden 3 out, soon one pace, 4th of 7, 17l behind Beggars Cap (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Nov.
Cash Man (IRE) 7-2 (11-9) In touch, lost place 5th, no danger after, 7th of 8, well behind Wot Way Chief (11-11) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Mephisto (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway from 5 out, weakened from 3 out, 5th of 11, 23l behind Pop (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Star Beat 7-1 (11-8) Held up in touch, not fluent 4th, ridden and struggling from 7th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Sheriff Hutton (11-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Dec, 14 ran.
Feeling Peckish (USA) 33-1 (10-0) Chased leaders to halfway, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Sycho Fred (10-5) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Reel Charmer 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 50l behind Final Veto (10-0) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
