There was plenty to like about the course and distance win of Great Crusader last week. The gelding was always travelling for Leighton Aspell and scored easily in the mud. With similar conditions here and a clear liking for the track, the 11-year-old can defy a 7lb penalty and follow up. His chief rival will probably be Darina's Boy, who has the benefit of A P McCoy in the plate, plus a soft ground Plumpton win last time out to call upon should the going get tough. However, that success was more workmanlike than the selection's recent win and may mean that Darina's Boy will struggle to add another success here. Top weight That's Fine is not without a chance, though he has not been set an easy task on his handicap debut. Yet to win over hurdles, though he is a course winner of a bumper, he should be good enough for a place again. Of the remainder Petolinski would make some appeal is reproducing his effort in winning a Chepstow hurdle earlier in the season, while Watch The Dove looks very interesting based on his 10 length second to easy Ascot scorer Korelo at Taunton in December.
