Zimbabwe is the pick here, with Kappelhoff, Joe Mchugh, Shrove Tuesday and Gee Aker Malayo all worth a mention. Zimbabwe is still a maiden after 11 starts, but a case can be made for the six-year-old on the strength of a couple of decent efforts since going chasing, notably a second to Do L'Enfant D'Eau at Exeter last January on what was his first try over the bigger obstacles. In truth he has failed to build on that, but he seems to be getting the hang of things now judged on his second to Jacarado in cheekpieces at Leicester two weeks ago. Paddy Brennan rode him on his debut at Chepstow in 2004 and sits on him for the first time since, and with the jockey in good form at least, a bold show is predicted from the Nigel Hawke inmate. Kappelhoff has been fairly consistent in defeat and has a light weight, while Joe Mchugh bled from the nose when an encouraging second to the odds-on Stavordale Lad at Leicester at the start of the month. An Irish point winner in the past, he has time on his side as well. Trainer Tony Martin seldom wastes his visits across the Irish Sea, and you can be sure that Shrove Tuesday will be well tuned up today, but the seven-year-old has not been foot perfect since going over fences, and although he has potential, it is hard to make a solid case for him, and Gee Aker Malayo, who has plenty of weight, may struggle in the ground. Our tentative vote goes the way of Zimbabwe.
Gee Aker Malayo (IRE) 9-1 (10-8) Behind, hit 4th, took poor 4th flat, 4th of 11, 36l behind Jack Fuller (10-9) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Feb.
Pardini (USA) 16-1 (10-0) Soon behind, mistake 10th, no chance when pulled up at the 12th in race won by Naunton Brook (11-12) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Feb, 9 ran.
Zimbabwe (FR) 11-1 (11-8) Led to 2nd, led again 8th, mistake, headed 14th, ridden after 3 out, one pace flat, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Jacarado (10-7) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-88 (5) sft in Feb.
Joe Mchugh (IRE) 18-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 8th, hit 13th, went 2nd next, pushed along approaching last, one pace last, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Stavordale Lad (11-0) at Leicester 2m 7f mdn chs (4) gd in Feb.
Monty Be Quick 40-1 (9-7) Mid-division, hit 2nd, headway 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 10, 31l behind The Outlier (11-4) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Shrove Tuesday (IRE) 4-1fav (9-10) Towards rear fell at the 7th in race won by Heartache (10-0) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Jan, 13 ran.
Fisherman Jack 14-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, led 10th, headed 4 out, weakened approaching last, 2nd of 4, 14l behind Lord Olympia (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Feb.
Kappelhoff (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) Behind, headway 12th, chased leaders from 15th, one pace and no impression when mistake last, 3rd of 14, 11l behind Tallow Bay (10-2) at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Feb.
