TREE OF LIBERTY won very easily at Ludlow only five days ago, despite pulling hard in the early stages. He was a decent hurdler but looks like being an even better chaser and will take some stopping here if this doesn’t come too soon. Hogan's Height made it third-time lucky over fences at the same track before Christmas and should have more to offer but Accord has only run in handicaps so far and has been well beaten in his last three. Kahdian looks to have little chance, barring accidents.
Accord (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Tracked leader, ridden to lead on long run between 3 out and 2 out, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 10 1/2l behind Workbench (11-10) at Sandown 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Hogan's Height (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led into start, in rear, shied at rail before 1st, headway 4th, challenged 7th, led 11th, pressed from 4 out until 2 out, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 2m 4f (3) gs in Dec beating Midnight Target (10-7) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Tree Of Liberty (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Raced freely, led until 5th, led before 4 out, clear approaching last, easily, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Nightfly (10-4) by 11l, 6 ran.
Kahdian (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Led until 1st, led after 3rd, not fluent and headed 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 16, dist behind Bandon Roc (11-8) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Feb.
