A tight-looking handicap but it’s difficult to have much faith in Mont Royale at present. SONG SAA (NAP) never looked like being caught at Kempton last time and she’s still not badly treated, despite her penalty, with Noel George’s claim a plus. Zamparelli was never travelling at Newbury when last seen and was well behind when falling but a case can probably be made for last-time winners General Bux and Nobel Leader. Le Capricieux was favourite last time at Plumpton but only managed third, though continues to slip down the weights.
Song Saa 8-1 (11-13) Chased leaders, tracked leader 3rd, led 6th, made rest, clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Un Beau Roman (11-6) by 6l, 9 ran.
Mont Royale 11-4 (11-3) Held up, shaken up 7th, outpaced before 17th, weakened 4 out, well behind when jumped left 3 out, soon pulled up, at Southwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Zamparelli (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Behind, fell 8th, at Newbury 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
General Bux 7-2 (12-0) Made all, ridden clear 3 out, ran on, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Dec beating Quantum Of Solace (11-6) by 5l, 8 ran.
Cafe Au Lait (GER) 20-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, never dangerous, 5th of 12, 37 1/2l behind Kastani Beach (10-5) at Lingfield 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Jan.
Kings Monarch 20-1 (11-11) Chased leaders on outside, lost place 2nd, closed 5th, mistake 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 35 1/4l behind Church Hall (11-7) at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Nobel Leader (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Close up, headway 10th, joined leaders 4 out, led 2 out, ridden out, won at Bangor 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Knocknamona (11-7) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Le Capricieux (FR) 5-2fav (11-6) Held up in rear, steady headway approaching 10th, driven in 4th between last 2, kept on run-in, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 5 1/2l behind Alf 'n' Dor (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
