This looks a good race on paper, and it could be that jumping will prove vital. Itsonlyme is set to carry topweight and has not been out since falling at Kempton just after Christmas. However, his stamina will stand him in good stead, especially if allowed to dominate. Majestic Bay's last win came on the Flat at Newbury two years ago, but he shaped really well on his chase debut at Folkestone last time and should not be underestimated. Keltic Heritage is described as a battler by Luke Dace who had hoped that he would run well at Newbury on Hennessy day. Unfortunately he was outclassed in a Grade 2 contest, but was much more at home when dropped down in class at Kempton recently, finishing third. The caveat with him is the odd error as well though. Creswell Quay could hardly be in better form, having won four of his five chases, the blip coming when Timmy Murphy was not in the plate at Uttoxeter in December. peter Bowen's charge is now 31lb higher than when starting his impressive sequence, but he is always allowed to do just enough and may still be ahead of the handicapper. He gets the vote over Putsometnby, who is ultra-consistent but was not foot-perfect on his second outing for Jonjo O'Neill. Indeed, he would probably have won at Doncaster last time but for two early blunders, and although he will no doubt be in the shake-up, it is hard to see him giving weight and a beating to Creswell Quay who is taken to continue his winning ways.
