Captain Blackpearl has taken well to fences but may not be suited if conditions deteriorate further. Harambe won the Greatwood at Cheltenham last season but has failed to complete in two of his three hurdles starts since. However, if a switch to the larger obstacles proves a plus, he could go well. BIRCHDALE was a very short-priced favourite at Catterick and disputing the lead when unseating his rider on the final circuit. He has always had a touch of class and could recoup losses with a clear round. Ey Up Rocky may need this after a very long absence.
Birchdale (IRE) (11-2) Prominent, disputing lead when mistake and unseated rider 12th, at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gd in Nov.
Harambe 18-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, closer in mid-division approaching 3 out, pushed along after 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 17, 17 1/4l behind Not So Sleepy (11-6) at Ascot 2m hcp (1) hvy in Dec.
Captain Blackpearl 2-1fav (11-8) Held up in touch, not fluent 2nd, hit next, slow 4 out, struggling when mistake 3 out, 2nd of 4, 14l behind Evander (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Ey Up Rocky 11-1 (11-10) Held up in last trio, good headway tracking leaders approaching 3 out, 2nd before led last, pushed readily clear run-in, won at Newbury 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Eva's Oskar (11-0) by 5l, 12 ran.
