A competitive handicap chase over the extended 3m trip but Saucy Bingo appeared to relish the test of stamina last time at Newcastle after four outings over hurdles, putting up a performance that stated he could be one to make his mark in staying contests. An expensive recruit from the Irish point-to-point field, a strange tactic has been employed by connections, that being to tackle chasing immediately following that recent hurdles victory. Racing off a mark of 102, he could be thrown in tackling a discipline at which he is likely to be more effective. Royal Mackintosh is another unexposed sort who has stepped up to the mark when switched to chasing while Just For Men has the right man on board in Graham Lee as he takes on a trip for which he is not certain to stay. Expect him to be put asleep throughout the early stages. Saucy Bingo could be very well handicapped and gets the vote.
Just For Men (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up, prominent approaching 3 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Reap The Reward (10-8) at Ayr 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs.
Royal Mackintosh 4-1fav (11-10) Chased leaders, mistake 4 out, soon led, kept on well, won at Carlisle 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs beating Stark Raven (10-9) by 9l, 10 ran.
Waking Ned (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Star Player (10-12) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Mar, 16 ran.
Saucy Bingo (IRE) 9-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, led 3 out, mistake 2 out, driven out, won at Newcastle 3m cnd nov hcp hdl (5) hvy beating Heathcliff (11-2) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Arctic Ghost 2-1fav (10-11) Hit 1st, tracked leader, reminders 7th, lost place after 5 out, weakened and pulled up 4 out in race won by Salhood (11-3) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Dec, 7 ran.
Snowy (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Led to 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 18, 11l behind Wise Choice (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs.
Sands Rising 5-1 (10-11) Held up, effort approaching 4 out, soon outpaced, 6th of 11, 34l behind Sparkling Taff (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Prince Mouse 80-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, led 10th until headed 4 out, soon ridden, gradually weakened, 4th of 9, 26l behind Or de Grugy (11-5) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (4) sft.
Skenfrith 8-1 (11-5) Not fluent, chased leaders, driven 8th, soon weakened and pulled up at the 10th in race won by Ballynure (9-7) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Mar, 13 ran.
Kyalami (FR) 14-1 (10-6) Led to 7th, remained close up, outpaced approaching 4 out, rallied 3 out, one pace, 4th of 11, 10l behind Sparkling Taff (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Nelliedonethat (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 15th, driven to chase leaders after 3 out, one pace from next, 4th of 15, 14l behind Hall of Flame (10-2) at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs.
Shulmin 13-2 (10-6) Held up, headway 4 out, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to lead soon after last, held on near finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs beating I'm Your Man (10-6) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Neidpath Castle 9-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 6th, headed 3 out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 27l behind Reckless Venture (10-6) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar.
