Master Rex gets a tentative vote over Hot Shots, Cenkos and Palua in race two on the card. Master Rex gets weight off his five opponents here as he bids to get back to winning ways after finishing fourth to Oneway at Sandown last time. He looked to be going the best most of the way round that day, but did not find as much as required when they quickened in the straight and was well held. However, he has won here over hurdles in the past, and the return to this flatter track will help his cause. Obviously he is no good thing, having to mix it with class B opponents again, but he does at least hold Palua on that Sandown running and is in fair form. Also, on a strict form line with Oneway, he should finish in front of Cenkos who was 19 lengths behind Mark Rimell's chaser when they met at the start of this month. That leaves Hot Shots who has not been out since contesting the King George. He will appreciate the drop in grade, but with his fitness having to be taken on trust, we shall oppose him with Master Rex.
Avalanche (FR) 33-1 Mid-division, mistake 4th, lost touch 11th, tailed off next, 13th of 15, well behind Supreme Prince at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Nov.
Caracciola (GER) 25-1 Held up in rear, mistake 10th, weakened 12th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Le Duc at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs (B) gd in Jan, 15 ran.
Cenkos (FR) 16-1 Pressed leader from 3rd, ridden and lost place before 4 out, no chance after, 5th of 6, 19l behind Oneway at Sandown 2m hcp chs (B) gs.
Hot Shots (FR) 100-1 Always in rear, 9th of 13, well behind Kicking King at Kempton 3m chs Grd 1 (A) gs in Dec.
Palua 10-1 Always prominent, left in lead 5th, clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Doncaster 2m hcp chs 0-140 (B) gd in Jan beating Argento by 7l, 7 ran.
Master Rex 4-1 Mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, one pace last, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Oneway at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gs in Jan.
