Of four five-day entries, Nicky Henderson relies on CUCUMBER RUN, who should make amends for an expensive failure at Plumpton last time back over a more suitable trip. Ski Sunday is the probable danger as he was a decent hurdler though has yet to pull up any trees so far over the larger obstacles. He did, however, finish a long way ahead of Noble Witness at Southwell last time. Ruff Diamond didn't show a great deal over fences a couple of years ago but won over hurdles on heavy ground at Carlisle last month and is probably stronger now.
Cucumber Run (IRE) 1-4fav (11-4) Tracked leading pair, went left not fluent and stumbled 2nd, went left next, tracked winner 8th, challenged from 3 out, upsides from 2 out, driven before last, edged right flat, rallied and strong challenge close home, just held, 2nd of 3, hd behind Spear Thistle (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
Noble Witness (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Tracked leader until 4th, weakened from 5 out, 4th of 6, well behind Eradicate (11-4) at Southwell 2m nov chs (4) gs.
Ruff Diamond (USA) 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on outside, went 2nd when not fluent 3 out, led between last 2, driven and kept on flat, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Dec beating Fair Spin (10-2) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Ski Sunday 10-3 (11-0) Held up in touch in 4th, went 3rd from 5 out, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 6, 31l behind Eradicate (11-4) at Southwell 2m nov chs (4) gs.
