The 11-year-old Miss Mattie Ross ran more promisingly last time and has claims off what seems a fair mark in a poor contest but preference is for High Five, with Cooldine Lad rated the pick of the remainder. The selection handles cut in the ground and, if coming on for his reappearance run at Kelso last month, has solid claims in this company. Solemn Vow encounters testing ground for the first time and is far from certain to handle it, while Has Scored is bred to do so but has disappointed before when tackling testing conditions. Change Agenthas claims on the pick of his form but has not shown that for some time and of more interest may be the lightly raced Cooldine Lad. This should not take much winning and what can only be a tentative vote goes to High Five.
Cooldine Lad (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (10-8) Held up in rear, ridden after 4 out, soon beaten, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Blue Splash (11-7) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (3) gd in Oct '06, 6 ran.
Northern Vic (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, struggling after 11th, behind 12th, 8th of 10, 46l behind Here's Johnny (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Jeringa 16-1 (10-12) Held up when fell at the 6th in race won by Neutrino (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Nov, 10 ran.
Panthers Run 50-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 7th of 8, 41l behind Akilak (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Miss Mattie Ross 12-1 (9-11) Tracked clear leader, driven and outpaced 4 out, ridden next, no impression approaching 2 out, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Pillaging Pict (10-6) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Has Scored (IRE) 7-1 (10-6) In touch, headway to chase winner 14th, until no extra flat, 5th of 11, 27l behind Innisfree (9-9) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in May.
Tipp Mid West (IRE) 150-1 (10-8) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Akilak (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov, 8 ran.
Maringo (FR) 40-1 (9-11) Mistakes, in touch until weakened 4 out, 7th of 9, well behind Petite Margot (11-7) at Kelso 3m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
High Five 9-1 (10-2) Held up, always behind, 6th of 9, 28l behind Petite Margot (11-7) at Kelso 3m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Wensley Blue (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Mid-division, lost place 8th, behind when mistake 10th and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Low Reactor (10-9) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs, 10 ran.
Change Agent 11-1 (10-1) Blundered and unseated rider in race won by San Luca (9-13) at Towcester 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs, 12 ran.
Woodview (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 44l behind Captain Aubrey (11-1) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Nov.
Happy Boy (IRE) 150-1 (10-13) Struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Rathowen (11-2) at Ayr 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Nov, 12 ran.
Solemn Vow 15-2 (10-0) Never a factor, 6th of 12, 23l behind Rifleman (11-1) at Hereford 3m 1f amt hcp chs (5) gd in Nov.
