Sitting Duck, Thievery and Polished make the shortlist here with Thievery taken to come out on top. A winner here in January, Sitting Duck turned in an improved performance when third last time, only weakening in the closing stages. He will be close to peak fitness here and can run well. Polished hasnt won for over two years but was having his first run for nine months when third on his re-appearance. He will be fitter for the run and can go well. Thievery was losing his maiden tag when scoring at Folkestone on his seasonal debut. His success was only workmanlike, but that will have been a confidence booster and Thievery can steal this.
Wenger (FR) 13-2 (11-9) Mid-division, closer order approaching 7th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 6th of 10, 11l behind Colliers Court (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Jul.
Papillon de Iena (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Led, ridden after 3 out, headed after 2 out, rallied to lead against last, stayed on, won at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (5) gs in Nov beating Monroe Gold (10-9) by 2l, 10 ran.
Polished 20-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along from 2nd, not fluent and lost place 4th, stayed on steadily from 5 out but never on terms with leaders again, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Captain Marlon (11-4) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Amir El Jabal (FR) 12-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, held up, progress 5th, struggling after 3 out, slightly hampered before blundering 2 out, mistake last, 6th of 9, 14l behind Rebel Raider (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Apr.
It's Blue Chip 5-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, reminders and lost place 8th, soon behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Square Mile (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nov chs (4) sft in May, 9 ran.
Laurier d'Estruval (FR) 66-1 (11-6) Led to 1st, chased leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 45l behind Mickmacmagoole (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.
Ground Breaker 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, lost place after 7th, behind from next, 10th of 11, 42l behind Something Wells (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov.
Dalriath 5-1 (9-13) Led, soon clear until ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 6l behind Ormello (11-10) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Sitting Duck 6-1 (10-9) Led, headed 10th, ridden and weakened 2 out, 3rd of 8, 22l behind Marked Man (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov.
Loch Oscaig 9-2 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, in touch when blundered 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 13, 17l behind Prince Balthasar (10-10) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Nov.
Thievery 3-1fav (10-4) Towards rear, headway 5th, not fluent 4 out, ridden to lead last, ridden out, won at Hereford 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Nov beating Tosula (10-1) by 2l, 14 ran.
