Tribal Venture showed signs of a revival at Doncaster last time and makes more appeal than main dangers Campaign Trail and Longshanks. The last mentioned showed progressive form last term but lacks a recent outing so may be best watched. Jakari gave little sign for encouragement on his recent return and is difficult to recommend, while Holy Joe was pulled up on his debut for Venetia Williams and is impossible to fancy on that showing, although he does come from a yard that can do little wrong at present. By comparison, Jonjo O'Neill's stable is very much in and out of form at present so Campaign Trail may be best watched, especially having fallen at Sandown when last seen earlier this month. Tribal Venture may not be the best-handicapped horse in the field but he is at least coming here on the back of a decent effort and a reproduction of Doncaster form may suffice.
Longshanks 9-1 (10-0) Behind and mistakes, took keen hold, outpaced 15th, weakened 6 out, 6th of 20, 34l behind Joes Edge (9-11) at Ayr 4m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Apr.
Tribal Venture (FR) 17-2 (11-12) Led, blundered and headed 12th, soon outpaced, ridden 3 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind You're Special (10-9) at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp chs 0-140 (B) gs.
Jakari (FR) 25-1 (11-1) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened 12th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Bold Bishop (11-3) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Nov, 16 ran.
Holy Joe (FR) 25-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 5th, led briefly after 12th, disputing close 3rd when slid to a halt 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Too Forward (11-9) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gd in Nov, 10 ran.
Campaign Trail (IRE) 11-4fav (10-7) Chased leaders in 4th, mistake 4th, blundered and fell at the 14th in race won by Willie John Daly (11-0) at Sandown 3m 5f lst hcp chs (A) sft, 5 ran.
