good staying chase and one in which Schuh Shine is selected in preference to Rosie Redman and Kausse De Thaix. The selection of Schuh Shine does involve forgiving a modest run at the track last time out. That said, he is a previous course winner and he did at least look progressive prior to that blip. He may have preferred conditions to be a little faster but his jumping is his crowning glory and we will hope that Sam Thomas gives him a positive ride this afternoon. Rosie Redman was well beaten in a similar contest at Kelso earlier in the month. She is proven in the conditions and has to be respected if she has stripped fitter for the run. Kausse De Thaix doesn't do things quickly but that is far from a criticism of him. An out-and-out stayer - he could pick them up if the front runners go off too quickly. Victory Gunner makes a quick reappearance after landing the Lincolnshire National on Monday. This race is a marked step up in grade. The Villager has ability although Tom George probably has commenced training him with a magic wand these days. Datito has had little racing for a ten year old and should not be too readily discounted off a light racing weight. Undeniable has questions to answer on today's surface and is paid due attention in the market. Schuh Shine gets the nod.
Glen Warrior 2-1 (11-13) Chased leader, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 8l behind Whitford Don (11-13) at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (C) hvy in Mar.
Schuh Shine (IRE) 9-2 (10-1) In touch, hit 9th, went 2nd 10th until hit 14th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 31l behind Captain Corelli (9-9) at Haydock 3m hcp chs (B) sft.
Undeniable 7-2 (10-0) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 2 out, headed flat, rallied towards finish, 2nd of 8, shd behind Ossmoses (10-0) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gs.
Victory Gunner (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Jumped slowly, headway 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, led 2 out, driven out, won at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs beating Fin Bec (10-5) by 7l, 11 ran.
Rosie Redman (IRE) 3-1fav (10-1) Towards rear, pushed along 15th, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, outpaced next, 3rd of 8, 22l behind Ossmoses (10-0) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gs.
Kausse de Thaix (FR) 3-1fav (10-8) Tracked leaders, led 10th, mistake 14th, headed 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 11, 12l behind Ladalko (11-11) at Newbury 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (E) gd in Nov.
Jordans Lad (IRE) 7-2fav (11-11) Mid-division, headway 9th, led 3 out, ridden after 2 out, edged right flat, driven out, won at Worcester 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gf in Apr beating Le Joyeux (11-1) by a nk, 17 ran.
Datito (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Held up rear, headway 7th, chased leader 5 out, ridden 3 out, challenged 2 out, ran on to lead close home, won at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-110 (E) hvy beating Precious Bane (10-6) by a hd, 13 ran.
