Narval D'avelot was unfortunate to get caught close home at Towcester three weeks ago and David Wintle's gelding looks worth another chance here despite having been raised 6lbs since then, getting the vote ahead of Radbrook Hall and St Pancras. The last mentioned has struggled against the handicapper in his last two starts over hurdles but may do better now switched to the larger obstacles. Nick Gifford's winning pointer Ours has shown only a modicum of ability in three starts over hurdles but is likely to do better now put over fences, while Oakley Absolute is another that switches to the larger obstacles for the first time and could be of interest. Radbrook Hall has ability but has yet to win a race after 19 career starts so may be best watched and a safer option looks to be Narval D'avelot who gets the vote.
St Pancras (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Led, headed after 2nd, left in lead next, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 7, 34l behind The Bonus King (10-12) at Southwell 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Aug '06.
Ours (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Held up, headway approaching 2 out, driven before last, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 26l behind Pocket Aces (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Oakley Absolute 16-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 18, 14l behind Jam Packed (11-10) at Towcester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Wednesday Country (IRE) 40-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 5th, 8th of 10, well behind Pancake (11-3) at Warwick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Runshan (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Pulled hard and prominent, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 43l behind Chimichurri (11-5) at Towcester 2m cnd hcp chs (5) sft in Nov.
Moonlight Music (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 42l behind Just Amazing (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
A Sea Commander (GER) 33-1 (10-2) Towards rear, effort 7th, weakened next, 8th of 10, 41l behind Magot De Grugy (11-9) at Chepstow 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Nov.
Narval D'avelot (FR) 12-1 (10-0) Led until 2nd, remained prominent, chased winner 2 out, led soon after last, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Chimichurri (11-5) at Towcester 2m cnd hcp chs (5) sft in Nov.
Radbrook Hall 8-1 (10-1) In touch, lost place after 10th, ridden after 12th, stayed on from 3 out, 3rd of 16, 21l behind Oakfield Legend (11-5) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Nov.
