Chaim, Leo McGarry and Pheidias are the trio to focus on here with CHAIM taken to land his second success of the campaign. Leo McGarry won twice at this time last year, and a winless run since has seen his handicap mark drop. He was a distant second last time, hinting at a return to form, but he may need to drop further to get his head in front. Pheidias is still a maiden in 11 starts but was only just touched off in what looked a decent event at Wetherby at Christmas. A reproduction of that form will see him go close although this is a step up from that novice contest. Dual bumper winner Chaim won over this course and distance two outings ago in commanding fashion, and lost little in defeat last time. Chaim is an improving type, and can handle his rise in the weights and take this.
Alaghiraar (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Always towards rear, 11th of 16, 21l behind Cruchain (11-7) at Ascot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Orchard King (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 9th of 15, 41l behind Ballydub (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) sft in Mar.
Pheidias (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, driven last, headed close home, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Falpiase (11-11) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Chaim (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon hampered, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Quazy de Joie (10-7) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Absolut Power (GER) 11-1 (11-7) Pressed leader, led 2 out, headed between last 2, stayed on same pace, flat, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Lady Pilot (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Dec.
Master Charm (FR) 33-1 (11-0) Chased leaders until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 6th of 14, 29l behind Micheal Flips (11-8) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (2) gd in Dec.
Timpo (FR) 40-1 (10-0) Held up, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 9th of 12, 38l behind United (11-7) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Lester Leaps In (USA) 40-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, weakened 15th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Cresswell Willow (11-3) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov, 15 ran.
Imtihan (IRE) 10-1 (9-13) Prominent, lost pace 8th, soon no impression, 8th of 12, 26l behind Final Veto (10-0) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
Leo McGarry (IRE) 11-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 27l behind Snake Charmer (11-6) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Blue Teal (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Mid-division, close up when hampered and unseated rider 2 out in race won by Quazy de Joie (10-7) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Dec, 15 ran.
Federstar (GER) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 3 out, under pressure to go 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Mr Jack Daniells (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Jun.
Patsy Finnegan 7-2fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, ridden after 3 out, kept on, 5th of 15, 9l behind Supreme Keano (10-11) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
Digger Gets Lucky (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Prominent, led after 2nd, ridden when headed 2 outpaced, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Quazy de Joie (10-7) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Equilibria (USA) 20-1 (10-0) Led to 3rd, remained handy until weakened soon after 3 out, 14th of 15, 27l behind Ingratitude (11-9) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Dec.
Jean Le Poisson (FR) 18-1 (11-2) Towards rear, soon struggling, pulled up before 8th pulled up at the 8th in race won by Nicto De Beauchene (10-7) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
