A double might be on the cards for Gary Moore and AP, with SWIFT LORD given narrow preference ahead of Steptoe and Hucking Hero. Our pick is another Irish import for the yard, one who easily won a bumper back in October. He's closely related to a number of hurdling winners including over this trip, so with McCoy once more on board all looks in place for a big run. Steptoe remains a maiden but should appreciate going over timber for the first time today. Nicky Henderson's charge was highly tried in bumpers, evidence of the regard in which he is held, so he might well start favourite hailing from such powerful connections whose runners continue in good order. He'll undoubtedly pose a threat to our pick, possibly more so than Hucking Hero for Tim Vaughan. Formerly in the care of Jim Boyle, this one is a solid 60-rated runner on the flat and will stay this trip comfortably, although we feel he'll be found a more suitable opportunity at a later date. Of the remainder, Mister Hyde comes from a useful jumps family and should be noted for support, particularly in relation to stablemate Honourable Dream who was disappointing in a bumper when last seen. Whaxaar may have been a victim of the bounce factor when last seen on the flat but this low-grade handicapper isn't a likely winner anyway, so of more interest is Kings Troop for the resurgent Alan King yard, although he'll need to step up on a disappointing jumps debut. Gross Prophet and Final Son look held on the balance of their form under both codes, so for our idea of the winner we return to Gary Moore's Swift Lord.
Final Son 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out, hit next, 9th of 10, 33l behind Inventor (10-9) at Ascot 2m hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Gross Prophet 80-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 3rd, went right next, led after 4 out, came to outside and hit 3 out, headed and weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 10, 31l behind Quantitativeeasing (11-5) at Newbury 2m hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Honourable Dreamer (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden and struggling 5f out, tailed off, last of 12, well behind Cresswell Pride (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Oct.
Hucking Hero (IRE) 20-1 (8-6) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 5, 12l behind Moonbeam Dancer (8-1) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov (flat).
Mister Hyde (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Solar Quest.
Play Up Pompey 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, blundered 6th, weakening when mistake 3 out, weakened, 10th of 12, well behind Postmaster (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct '08.
Steptoe 16-1 (10-8) Held up in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, 13th of 18, well behind Lidar (10-8) at Doncaster 2m NH flat (2) gf in Feb '09.
Swift Lord (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, headway in 3rd 3f out, led 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, kept on well, comfortably, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f N H flat gd in Oct beating Limekiln (11-3) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran.
Whaxaar (IRE) 11-2 (8-9) Held up in rear, took keen hold, struggling over 3f out, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Dani's Girl (9-7) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec (flat).
Between Dreams 25-1 (10-7) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, gradually faded, 11th of 13, 24l behind Winsley Hill (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf in May '08.
Kings Troop 9-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up, slow jump 3rd, ridden 3 out, no chance when hit 2 out, 5th of 11, 48l behind Orzare (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
