Gold Opera might need this and hasn’t won in almost three years. JUSTFORJAMES shaped nicely on his reappearance here in November and any improvement on that would put him in the picture, despite top weight. Un Prophete looks to have solid claims while a back-to-form Bollin Ace would be a threat. Billy Bronco also goes on the shortlist and Manwell won at Sedgefield following wind surgery and stays this longer trip.
Justforjames (IRE) 18-1 (11-6) In rear, mistakes 11th and 12th and lost ground, became detatched 5 out before staying on approaching 3 out, took 3rd after last, 3rd of 6, 12 1/2l behind Lough Derg Jewel (11-10) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Gold Opera (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, hung left after 2 out, every chance flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Ravenhill Road (11-9) at Haydock 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Manwell (IRE) 9-1 (11-9) Midfield, nudged along after 3 out, switched right to challenge and led before last, ridden and edged left but ran on well flat, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Scottish Accent (10-13) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Bollin Ace 12-1 (11-13) Tracked leaders, dropped towards rear at 3rd, ridden and weakened 10th, pulled up 4 out, at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Billy Bronco 12-1 (11-9) Led, headed 5 out but back in front after next, ridden and headed after jumping 2 out, kept on but no match for winner, 2nd of 7, 7 1/2l behind Innisfree Lad (11-2) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Strong Resemblance (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Prominent, led 3rd, pecked next, not fluent 5th, headed 9th, lost place 13th, well behind 15th, soon pulled up, at Huntingdon 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
William Of Orange 5-2 (11-0) Bhnd til stdy hdwy 9; wknd app 3 out; pu nxt, at Alnwick 3m gs in Mar.
Un Prophete (FR) 4-1fav (11-10) Not jump well in rear, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 10 1/4l behind Ouro Branco (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Last Encounter (IRE) 125-1 (10-13) Towards rear, mistake 11th, well beaten 3 out, mistake last, last of 8, 35l behind Flagrant Delitiep (11-8) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Quick Pick (IRE) 13-2 (12-0) In touch, headway 11th, led next, ridden 3 out, headed approaching last, one pace and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Trimmers Lane (10-0) at Wetherby 3m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Son Of Suzie 66-1 (12-0) Led, headed before 3 out, weakened, 11th of 14, 36 3/4l behind The Black Squirrel (11-4) at Newcastle 3m hcp (5) gd in Nov.
So Satisfied 66-1 (10-13) Never threatening, 10th of 14, 32 3/4l behind The Black Squirrel (11-4) at Newcastle 3m hcp (5) gd in Nov.
