Banoge can get the better of Western Whiskey and Political Paddy in an interesting affair. Banoge has struggled to get his head in front, tending to run very consistently, but lacking a finishing kick. However, his form this season has been significantly improved, chasing home the very talented Door Boy at Kelso, before landing a maiden chase on his fencing bow, showing great desire on the run-in. He was a beaten favourite on three occasions last season, but looks well treated here. Political Paddy is also consistent and boasts a fine win last time when justifying favouritism. He has been raised 7lbs for that win however, and that could be severe, bearing in mind it was his first success. Western Whiskey improved for the application of blinkers here last time, and this Irish winner was only run out of it on the Flat. Blinkers are worn again, and that improved effort suggests he can hit the frame in this competitive contest. I liked the manner of Banoge¿s gutsy win last time and his form looks the best on offer-he gets a confident vote.
Bobby Gee 25-1 (10-6) In touch, not fluent 3rd, led and hit 3 out, soon headed, weakened after 2 out, tailed off, 13th of 19, well behind Punchestowns (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov.
Rathcor 16-1 (11-10) Mid-division, hampered 5th, weakened 2 out, 15th of 22, 30l behind Andytown (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Nov.
Political Paddy 7-4fav (11-3) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, led approaching last, stayed on well, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Nov beating Rare Coincidence (11-12) by 6l, 9 ran.
Banoge (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Held up, steady headway 11th, went 2nd between last 2, ridden and stayed on well to lead near finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f mdn chs (4) gs in Nov beating Ragador (10-9) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Star Beat 7-1 (11-8) Held up in touch, not fluent 4th, ridden and struggling from 7th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Sheriff Hutton (11-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd, 14 ran.
Western Whisky (FR) 28-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 7th, led 2 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Comhla Ri Coig (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft.
Singhalongtasveer 28-1 (10-3) Mid-division, headway and every chance 4 out, ridden and weakened from 2 out, 5th of 13, 39l behind Twelve Paces (9-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
Mud Monkey 50-1 (10-9) Led to 1st, led after 2nd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, 9th of 11, well behind Suntini (10-1) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Glenary (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-9) With leader, led 3 out, driven and headed run-in, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Admiral Savannah (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Fresh Air And Fun (IRE) 22-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 14, 14l behind Sheriff Hutton (11-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Federstar (GER) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 3 out, under pressure to go 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Mr Jack Daniells (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Jun.
Archimboldo (USA) 11-1 (10-1) Held up, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 21l behind The Very Man (11-0) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft.
Go On Jack 40-1 (9-10) Chased winner, mistake 3rd, mistake 4th and lost 2nd, soon dropped to last, well behind 7th, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Tino Tino (9-11) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Feb.
