Stagecoach Opal, Rate of Knots and Downs Folly make the shortlist here, with RATE OF KNOTS taken to extend Tony McCoy's successful run. Stagecoach Opal landed his first chase at the tenth attempt at Doncaster in December, and the form has been franked. Only 4lbs higher here, he looks sure to run a sound race. Down's Folly is a typical Henry Daly improver, and his recent step up in trip has evoked an improvement. He has been raised in the weight sfor two good placed efforts however, and the handicapper seems determined to keep him in check. McCoy pulled up Rate of Knots on the only other occasion they teamed up, but a lot better showing is expected after a convincing success last time. He seems to have been put in on a generous mark for his handicap bow and Rate of Knots can make his reunion with McCoy a winning one.
Gaora Lane (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led, hit, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 13, 11l behind Rambling Minster (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Victor Daly (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Always handy, led approaching 11th until 4 out, ridden and weakened quickly, pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Brooklyn Brownie (10-6) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gf in Jun, 18 ran.
Sweet Diversion (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, jumped left 14th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Fleet Street (11-10) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Dec, 18 ran.
Maletton (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, lost place 10th, soon behind, 6th of 7, well behind Opera de Coeur (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Gold Heart (FR) 6-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, mistake 11th, challenging when fell 3 out in race won by Ice Tea (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 13 ran.
Down's Folly (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) In touch, close up 4 out, chased winner from 3 out, one pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Cresswell Willow (11-0) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Orphelin Collonges (FR) 12-1 (11-8) Chased leader, led 9th, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching next, 5th of 10, 20l behind Rustarix (11-12) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Rate of Knots (IRE) 7-4fav (10-0) In touch, always going well, tracked leader 2 out, led last easy, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (5) gs in Dec beating Ballyboley (10-11) by 7l, 10 ran.
Stagecoach Opal 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, effort 2 out, driven to lead near line, won at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec beating Ngong Hills (10-1) by a hd, 16 ran.
Caipiroska 11-8fav (10-9) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, every chance last, one pace, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Undeniable (10-8) at Kelso 2m 6f amt hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Feb.
Present Glory (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Bumped 1st, chased leaders, slow jump 8th, ridden and struggling 13th, driven and rallied under pressure from 2 out, went poor 4th flat, 4th of 8, 29l behind Massini's Maguire (11-1) at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gd in Nov.
Big Rob (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Led, ridden after 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last, finished 5th, awarded 4th place, 4th of 18, 9l behind Lady Pilot (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Dec.
Kalmo Bay (FR) 7-1 (11-8) Held up, outpaced 11th, headway to track leaders 5 out, ridden 3 out, kept on from approaching last to lead flat, driven out, won at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Dec beating Divex (10-13) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Pistol Desbois (FR) 5-2jt-fav (10-12) Chased leaders, blundered badly 11th, ridden and every chance 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 6, 16l behind Buck The Legend (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Nov.
