As usual, the market should provide invaluable clues to the chances of many, but without that information we shall side with Choumakeur ahead of Smart Tom and Royal Crystalcadou. The selection represents an in-form stable and this French-bred gelding looks like it should have no problems with the ground. Assuming the market speaks in his favour, he could be the one to side with. In opposition is Richard Phillips' Smart Tom who won a bumper in good style last time out at Haydock. The ground was similar that day so he should be fine on that front, however this is a step up in trip and he could just be vulnerable under his penalty so is taken on with that in mind. Royal Crystalcadou represents a stable who should be respected in these races so must be monitored closely for support, whilst at bigger prices Freddy's Star and Arctic Emporer could go well. However, for the winner we will side with David Pipe's newcomer Choumakeur.
Smart Tom (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Made all, clear over 2f out, won at Haydock 1m 5f nhf (6) hvy in Dec beating Alfabet Souk (10-7) by 7l, 12 ran.
Arctic Emperor (IRE) Arctic Lord gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Clearly In Motion.
Charming Oscar (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Chased leaders until weakened 5f out, last of 8, 27l behind Golden Child (10-13) at Ascot 2m nhf (3) sft in Nov.
Choumakeur (FR) Mansonnien gelding out of a winner in the French Provinces.
Freddy's Star (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, some headway over 4f out, soon beaten, 7th of 14, 14l behind Private Note (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Overclear Overbury gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Arctic Chanter.
Royal Crystalcadou (FR) Cadoudal gelding, brother to Group 1 winning hurdler Royal Paradise, half-brother to numerous winners over jumps.
Stormylad 100-1 (10-7) In touch to halfway, ridden and struggling final 6f, last of 18, well behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gs in Oct.
Bobbie's Quest (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Mid-division, headway over 7f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 14th of 16, 43l behind Johnny Bissett (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Miss O'Murchu 20-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 10th of 12, well behind Debut (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f mrs nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Brenin Cwmtudu Saddlers' Hall gelding out of winning hurdler Keel Row.
Byways Boy Groom Dancer gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Wizard Time Wizard King gelding out of winning sprinter It'safact.
Neville's Girl 33-1 (10-7) Behind final 6f, last of 18, well behind Fiddling Again (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (5) sft in Dec.
