Gores Island’s losing run stretches back 16 races spread over two years but Sir Note has won four of his five chases and been placed in the other so can’t be ignored. Colin's Brother is another arriving at the top of his game with his latest victory coming in a higher grade. He has another 7lb to carry but also goes on the short-list. ICING ON THE CAKE (NAP) was the outside of four when making a winning start over fences at Newbury. But there looked to be no fluke about the result and the third has franked the form since. Zanstra has been favourite for his last two but had every chance when second at Exeter and is 3lb higher now.
In The Rough (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Mid-division, struggling from 9th, well behind 4 out, 9th of 11, dist behind Burtons Well (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Tjongejonge (FR) 25-1 (11-4) Towards rear, no chance when blundered 4 out and next, tailed off, 11th of 16, dist behind O Maonlai (11-6) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Colin's Brother 9-2 (10-3) Led early, soon in touch, outpaced before 4 out, rallied next, led before last, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec beating Gardefort (11-7) by 5l, 8 ran.
Sir Note (FR) 4-1 (11-9) Made all, kept on well from last, won at Leicester 2m hcp (3) gf in Dec beating Chestnut Ben (10-6) by 5l, 6 ran.
Rhapando 16-1 (11-3) Held up in touch in last pair, brought down 6th, at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Icing On The Cake (IRE) 12-1 (10-3) Raced keenly, held up in 4th and always travelling well, left 3rd 9th, ridden between last two, closing when hit 2 out, close 2nd at the last, stayed on gamely after the last to lead final 150 yards, won at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Knockgraffon (11-8) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
Gores Island (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Held up in mid-division, headway into 2nd place after 9th, led before 3 out, headed run-in, finished tired, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 14, 2 1/4l behind Mercian Prince (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Zanstra (IRE) 5-2fav (11-11) Chased leader, went right 3rd, lost 2nd 9th, chased winner fom next, every chance when blundered 3 out, no extra and held next, driven and stayed on same pace run-in, 2nd of 11, 3 3/4l behind Only Gorgeous (10-3) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
