A tough race for punters can go the way of Cousin Nicky at the main expense of Dalaram and Brads House. The handicapper has been lenient with the selection and he looks like he could still be on a fair mark today. He will love the forecast going and must be high on anyone's shortlist. Also on the shortlist is Dalaram, who is only 3lbs above his highest winning mark. His last run can be ignored as he plundered badly leading to his being pulled up, however he would prefer better ground, especially over a trip that slightly stretches him, and so for that reason he is passed over. As is Brads House who is very game and consistent, and will have no problems with a slog through the mud. However, he looks to be in the grip of the handicapper at present so cannot be truly fancied. Also of interest could be Evan Williams' Canon Fire off his low weight, and also Tom George's Turtle Soup although he may need to slide further down the handicap before he can win. So for the winner then, we return to Phillip Hobbs' Cousin Nicky.
Turtle Soup (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Always behind, 14th of 16, 46l behind Material World (10-5) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Nathos (GER) 10-1 (11-7) In touch, close 4th when fell 4 out in race won by Take A Mile (9-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Dalaram (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) In touch, headway 10th, went 2nd after 4 out, every chance 2 out, held when not fluent last, weakened flat, 2nd of 8, 14l behind Red Man (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in May.
Fait Le Jojo (FR) 66-1 (11-7) Led until headed after 3rd, in touch until weakened before 2 out, 5th of 16, 28l behind Border Castle (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
The Last Cast 10-1 (11-7) Led and soon clear, ridden 4 out, soon headed and weakened, 3rd of 8, well behind Chamacco (10-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov.
Campaign Trail (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and slightly hampered 8th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 11, 9l behind Rowley Hill (11-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
Brads House (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, headway 7th, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 16, 5l behind Nictos de Bersy (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Cousin Nicky 5-2jt-fav (11-7) Led to 4 out, soon ridden, close 4th last, kept on one pace flat, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Avitta (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Cannon Fire (FR) 17-2 (11-11) Held up mid-division, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 11, 11l behind Sir Bathwick (10-1) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Dec.
