ANNIE'S ANSWER is the clear pick on form over the smaller obstacles and is put forwards in the hope that she has schooled proficiently. Cornerback and Reel Charmer are both capable of taking advantage if she slips up. The selection proved a grand servant to her yard last year and was far from disgraced on her final start of 2008 when finishing in midfield in the mares race at the Cheltenham Festival. She's a strong National Hunt pedigree and there's every reason to believe that she'll be able to jump a fence. Cornerback looked held when slipping on landing on her chase bow at Huntingdon but is entitled to come on for both the run and the experience; however, she will need to. Reel Charmer wasn't rated too far behind the selection over timber and has run well at this track, over this trip on heavy ground so has plenty to commend her but she may be best watched following a tame run on her reappearance. Overlady ran well enough in a Hunter Chase to merit consideration but a good deal more will be required to get the better of Annie's Answer.
Annie's Answer (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Mid-division, headway approaching 3rd, hampered 5th, soon lost place, no danger after, 7th of 13, 13l behind Whiteoak (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Mar.
Apsara 100-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened from 9th, 8th of 12, well behind North Island (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs in Dec.
Cornerback (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, hit 7th, headway 12th, 4th and weakening when slipped badly on landing 2 out, 5th of 8, 38l behind Shatabdi (10-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
Overlady 14-1 (11-4) Held up, smooth headway to track leaders approaching 3 out, ridden and chased winner from approaching last one pace run-in, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Fiftyfive Degrees (11-11) at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (6) hvy in Apr.
Reel Charmer 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 50l behind Final Veto (10-0) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
