Seaviper has been placed in both starts over hurdles so far but his long-term future probably lies over fences. Larger obstacles might improve Eastern Witness as well as he's been disappointing over timber. Miss Lucky Penny was a beaten favourite at Huntingdon last month but she's gradually getting there and can't be ignored in a race like this. UNDER THE PHONE was probably a bit out of his depth at Cheltenham last month but he'd shown promise in previous starts at Warwick and Kempton. Joseph Palmowski's 10lb claim is a big plus and he can defy top weight, though a clear round could also see Mac Bertie in the picture.
Under The Phone (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, 9th of 19, 22l behind Chesterfield (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (3) sft in Nov.
Seaviper (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Took keen hold tracking leader, hit 1st, led 3rd until 5th, pressed leader, led again after 7th until well before 3 out, chased winner, driven and no impression before 2 out, mistake and lost 2nd at the last, 3rd of 6, 23l behind Zeroeshadesofgrey (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Mac Bertie 14-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway into 3rd before before 2 out, ridden between last two, held when fell last, in a race won by Tarvini (10-6) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Sep, 14 ran.
Murtys Delight (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Not always fluent in rear, well beaten 3 out, mistake 2 out, 11th of 12, 37l behind Powerful Action (10-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
Lukes Hill (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, progress after 3 out and briefly short of room, ridden and no impression in 4th approaching last, kept on one pace, 4th of 11, 9l behind Daigreen (11-5) at Tramore 2m hcp hdl 80-95 in Oct.
Eastern Witness (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up in last pair, ridden after 7th, headway into 3rd before 3 out, weakened before last, 4th of 7, 6l behind Flintham (11-9) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
One Cool Boy (IRE) 33-1 (10-3) Not fluent 1st, soon mid-division, 9th after 3rd, impeded by loose horse before 5th where ran out, in a race won by Pleased As Punch (11-1) at Listowel 2m cond hcp hdl 80-102 gd in Sep, 12 ran.
Boher Lad (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Always behind, pushed along and weakened from 5 out, last of 8, well behind Chill Factor (11-8) at Ffos Las 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in Aug.
Edeiff's Lad 66-1 (11-0) Not fluent, held up and behind, struggling when mistake 3 out, never involved, 7th of 10, 47l behind Wizards Bridge (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Miss Lucky Penny 7-2fav (11-7) Held up in touch, driven after 3 out, close 3rd next, edged left and beaten approaching last, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Alberto's Dream (11-3) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Nov.
