This is the most competitive contest on today’s card but LABEL DES OBEAUX has been steadily coming to hand and Alan King’s 10-year-old, thrown in on his best form, can end a long losing run. Dream Berry is slipping down the weights but Virginia Chick failed to sparkle again back over timber at Ludlow. Who's My Jockey is another struggling for form at present but Crossgalesfamegame looks a threat to all racing over this longer trip for the first time under Rules after an excellent third in a higher grade at Cheltenham. Young Offender is better than he showed last time at Uttoxeter last time and has a good record here with Potters Hedger and Canyon City also previous course winners.
Dream Berry (FR) 18-1 (11-10) Never closer than mid-division, pushed along after 3 out, soon outpaced and never on terms after, tailed off, 7th of 10, 28 3/4l behind Portrush Ted (11-12) at Sandown 2m 7f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Canyon City 50-1 (11-12) Held up in mid-division, nudged along before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 8, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Who's My Jockey (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Chased leader, midfield 3rd, ridden before 4 out, dropped to rear before 3 out, tailed off before 2 out, plugged on from last, 5th of 6, 28l behind Flemcara (11-3) at Doncaster 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Potters Hedger 12-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 9th of 10, dist behind Portrush Ted (11-12) at Sandown 2m 7f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Crossgalesfamegame (IRE) 11-2 (10-0) Chased leaders, steadied before 2nd, slow 5th, closed approaching 2 out, not much room and switched left before last, edged right flat, went 3rd and stayed on, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind The White Mouse (10-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Label Des Obeaux (FR) 4-1fav (11-2) Midfield, towards rear 7th, ridden before 3 out, headway to chase leaders 2 out, in touch under pressure last, one pace flat, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 9, 5 1/2l behind Queenohearts (11-11) at Haydock 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Young Offender (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, eased and pulled up after 4th, at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Virginia Chick (FR) 13-2 (11-12) Held up in rear, never involved, 8th of 11, dist behind Broken Quest (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Dec.