We will just side with Rudolf Rassendyll here ahead of General Duroc and Letitia's Loss. Venetia Williams stable remains in good form and, in a race where many have questions to answer, the selection's overall form, particularly over fences, gives him a shout. General Duroc has certainly found his way again, winning his last two and, even though he has been raised a further eight pounds for his last win, he remains well-weighted on his old form and cannot be ruled out. Pardon What has been beaten twice from his revised mark, including just three days ago, while Notaproblem holds claims based on his narrow Wetherby defeat last time. The Flyer's most-recent success came from a higher mark than today, but that was back in 2002, and Open Range could be given a squeak based on his Irish bumper win of a year ago, although his recent form has lacked sparkle. If Huka Lodge consents to apply himself to the job in hand, he remains on a fair mark, so cannot be discounted, and a three-pounds rise for Letitia's Loss's Wetherby win has the feel of being on the lenient side. With Longstone's Lass's winning run having come to an end from a revised mark last time, we return to the selection, which is Rudolf Rassendyll.
General Duroc (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) With leader, headway 3 out, ridden to lead last, stayed on well, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) hvy beating San Peire (11-2) by 7l, 10 ran.
Corlande (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, weakened after 4 out, 11th of 19, 32l behind All Star (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Nov.
Pardon What 20-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway 8th, stay on from 3 out, never nearer, 5th of 18, 11l behind Drumbeater (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs.
Notaproblem (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden to challenge last, kept on, 2nd of 12, shd behind Brandy Wine (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 7f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Nov.
Woodview (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 12, 15l behind Gritti Palace (10-7) at Warwick 3m 1f nov hdl (E) sft.
The Flyer (IRE) 16-1 (11-11) Mid-division, reminders after 2nd, weakened after 8th, 6th of 15, 46l behind Moustique de L'Isle (11-2) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) hvy.
Rudolf Rassendyll (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Tracked leading pair until blundered 12th, weakened 17th, soon well behind, 4th of 6, 49l behind Latimer's Place (11-7) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft.
Letitia's Loss (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, took closer order 8th, led approaching 3 out, ridden out, won at Wetherby 2m 7f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Nov '04 beating Premier Drive (11-6) by 4l, 12 ran.
