In what looks like a competitive little contest GABRESELASSIE is our idea of a winner but he'll have strong competition from McMurrough and Springfield Raki. Jonjo O'Neill's charge will be piloted by Tony McCoy has he continues his quest for history and so far the champion¿s mount has progressed nicely in four starts and found just one too good last time. The form from that outing is starting to work out and with things looking a little easier this time we consider him a winner. McMurrough has a fourth place in a listed bumper on the CV and ran a cracking debut over timber last time. The line from the race is yet to work out but with improvement expected he has more than a good chance. Springfield Raki makes his debut over obstacles here after a decent enough bumper career. The form from those five starts is only ok at best though however if the timber brings out a small improvement in him then he's another to add to calculations. Quartz De Thaix is from an inform yard and made a winning start to life in the UK last time so also has claims but Gabreselassie may just have the edge with AP doing the steering.
Quartz de Thaix (FR) 16-1 (11-5) Prominent, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, driven out and ran on well flat, won at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Moves Goodenough (11-11) by 4l, 14 ran.
Gabreselassie (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Princeful (11-5) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
McMurrough (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, hit 5th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on strongly from last, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Alfie Flits (11-11) at Haydock 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Springfield Gunner 50-1 (10-12) Mistake 1st, held up towards rear, behind when mistake 6th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bakbenscher (10-12) at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Springfield Raki 10-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 3f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Red Harbour (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Wherrimon 200-1 (11-3) Always towards rear, 10th of 21, well behind Edgbriar (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Willie Warson (IRE) 100-1 (11-5) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened after, 9th of 13, 37l behind Eradicate (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Winchester Red 17-2 (11-4) Led, jumped left 3rd, not fluent next, jumped left 5th, headed just after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 12, 23l behind Kilvergan Boy (11-4) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
