The most valuable race on the card has attracted a small but select field to produce a keen betting heat. Aelred goes well with cut in the ground and comes here in top form after an all-the-way five-length victory over two miles at Newcastle last month. However, the 10-year-old's stamina will be put to the test over this extra quarter-of-a-mile in heavy ground and he may struggle off a 7lb higher mark. Pillaging Pict is another to have suffered at the hands of the handicapper after his easy win at Kelso in November and is passed over while Scotmail Lad is back on a winning mark but has been below par of late so the vote goes to Broadbrook Lass. Heathor Dalton's mare has not been seen since August but goes well fresh and remains unexposed over regulation fences so should prove capable of making further progress. The daughter of Broadsword acts well on the ground and stays this trip well so looks the safest choice in a trappy event.
