Hallingdal has shown improved form in his last couple of starts and should be involved at the finish again but a 2lb rise since his latest effort makes this tougher and a better bet may be CRAZY CHRIS, who gets the vote ahead of Fly By Nelly. Hugh Morrison's filly is another that has shown better form in her last two starts and she has to be respected but has yet to prove that she stays this far and is not certain to do so. Peter Chapple-Hyam's Bomber Brown was well beaten when last seen at York in October and is probably best watched today, while Hurakan is hard to recommend on recent form but does represent the in-form stable of David Evans. Pyrus Time gained an overdue first success at the 16th time of asking when landing a maiden here last month and this looks tougher with preference for Crazy Chris. Bryn Palling's mare has only had five starts so far, won well enough at Kempton last time in November and she can defy the 6lb rise for that success.
Hallingdal (UAE) 10-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Dream Of Fortune (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Crazy Chris 14-1 (9-8) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov beating Thunderstruck (10-6) by shd, 13 ran.
Doubnov (FR) 8-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2f out, weakened and eased final furlong, last of 9, 11l behind Mildoura (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Bomber Brown (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden 3f out, keeping on when short of room and hampered approaching final furlong, 12th of 19, 25l behind Starla Dancer (8-11) at York 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Oct.
Hurakan (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, lost place 7f out, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 4th of 11, 6l behind Dream Of Fortune (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Trifti 33-1 (9-6) Slowly into stride, in rear, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 11, 10l behind Dream Of Fortune (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Pyrus Time (IRE) 6-4fav (9-4) Tracked leading pair, headway to 2nd 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed along and ran on well enough, won at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec beating I Am The Man (9-7) by 1l, 8 ran.
Naheell 16-1 (8-10) Towards rear, never a factor, 8th of 11, 8l behind Young Dottie (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Fly By Nelly 14-1 (8-11) Held up, kept on final furlong, 5th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Wunder Strike (8-12) at Lingfield 1m handicap (0-68) (4yo+) (6) pol.
