Tee-Jay has done little wrong of late, winning his last two starts, and is taken to complete a hat-trick at the main expense of Brandy Wine and Tipsy Mouse. The last mentioned showed improve form for his reappearance when fourth behind Luneray at Ludlow last time and has claims, if stepping up again on that effort. The Miner ran better at Hexham on his most recent start and has to be respected on that evidence, while Briar's Mist fell early on at Aintree and it remains to be seen whether that has left its mark. Kidithou has given little cause for optimism of late and of more interest is Len Lungo's Brandy Wine, who made an encouraging return at Haydock earlier this month and should come on for the run. Tee-Jay is fit and in form though and can defy his latest rise in the weights.
Tipsy Mouse (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Prominent, ridden after 15th, weakened approaching last, 4th of 9, 10l behind Luneray (11-10) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd.
Kidithou (FR) 40-1 (9-11) Mid-division, mistake 5th, blundered and unseated rider in race won by Supreme Breeze (10-8) at Hexham 4m hcp chs 0-130 (C) , 13 ran.
Brandy Wine (IRE) 4-1 (10-4) Prominent, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 7, 18l behind Vicario (11-12) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) sft.
Briar's Mist (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Tracked leader when fell at the 5th in race won by Chabrimal Minster (11-9) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft in Oct, 6 ran.
Tee-Jay (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) Mid-division, reminders 3rd, headway 14th, went 2nd next, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on gamely to lead flat, won at Hexham 3m 1f chs 0-90 (F) gf in Oct beating Swallow Magic (10-7) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
D J Flippance (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Held up in mid-division, pecked 1st, reminder halfway, effort 4 out, soon outpaced, 4th of 10, 15l behind Primitive Way (10-8) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Oct.
The Miner 9-2 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 10th, challenging when mistake 3 out, blundered next, soon no chance, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Devondale (10-4) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft.
Pessimistic Dick 14-1 (9-13) Led, ridden 2 out, headed flat, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Primitive Way (10-8) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Oct.