Miss Phoebe makes a nominal short-list that could also feature Ericarrow but our suggestion is ANDURIL. Miss Phoebe is of interest, principally because she has yet to prove herself to be as moderate as the remainder. Her Flat orientated trainer has few National Hunt runners and fewer winners but she has run in races that have been won by some decent animals. She's been a long way behind them and may not be any more effective in this grade; the market may guide. Ericarrow did make the frame in a Ludlow seller and could fare a little better for having cheekpieces fitted and he's one of many that aren't too easy to rule in or out of this race. Anduril has some of the best form on offer having been beaten under six lengths into fifth at Catterick on his last outing over obstacles. The blinkers he wore then are missing but he does sport a tongue strap instead which may help whilst having the assistance of Denis O'Regan won't do him any harm. Rhys Flint's presence aboard Ruling Reef is another booking to take the eye but it's to Anduril that we'll look for the winner.
Ruling Reef 50-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden behind leaders 2 out, weakened last, 6th of 21, 44l behind Bally Conn (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Oct.
Anduril 14-1 (11-9) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon driven and no extra, 5th of 15, 6l behind Emotive (11-2) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Jan.
Hector Barbossa 25-1 (11-5) Prominent until ridden and weakened after 8th, 6th of 9, well behind Anglicisme (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Kassuta 40-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, weakened soon after 6th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Circus Rose (11-2) at Fakenham 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov, 13 ran.
Princess Stephanie 20-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, chased leaders 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Storm Haven (11-0) at Fakenham 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Jan.
Miss Phoebe (IRE) 80-1 (10-5) Mid-division, ridden 6th, soon held, 6th of 12, 36l behind Torphichen (10-9) at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Etoile d'Or (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Always in rear, ridden and lost touch 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 15, well behind She's No Muppet (10-3) at Folkestone 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl (5) gs in Jan.
Cool Contender (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) In touch, lost place after 4th, soon weakened, 11th of 13, 49l behind Midsummer Magic (10-9) at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Jan.
Simplified 100-1 (9-11) Held up, headway 5th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 17, 29l behind Markila (11-11) at Ludlow 2m mrs hcp hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Petrichan (IRE) 14-1 (10-8) Mid-division, reminders and lost place 6th, no danger after, 6th of 11, well behind Bonneta (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan.
Ericarrow (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) Led, driven after 4th, headed 4 out, weakened 3 out, 6th of 8, 35l behind Dontpaytheferryman (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 4yo nov clm hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Feeling Peckish (USA) 200-1 (10-8) Tracked leader until 8th, weakened next, 8th of 9, 40l behind Idarah (11-0) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Purr 18-1 (10-2) Held up in touch, went 2nd approaching 6th, lost place 8th, soon behind, 4th of 7, well behind Storm Haven (11-0) at Fakenham 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Jan.
Spartan Encore 50-1 (10-4) Led to 3 out, weakened quickly before next, tailed off, 11th of 15, well behind She's No Muppet (10-3) at Folkestone 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl (5) gs in Jan.
