Emmet Mullins is a very smart placer of his horses and though PERCY B SHELLEY is still a maiden over hurdles he wouldn't be coming here unless thought capable of winning and his two recent runs in big fields point to his chances. The Distant Lady couldn't handle heavy ground at Market Rasen but had won a bumper on good going earlier and would have to be considered. Veiled Secret, who won at Taunton in April, returned to form at Huntingdon last month and should get competitive while Titus Bolt, the winner of eight races, was returning from a 500-day absence and starting for new yard when running well at Kelso in October so should have come on for the run. Rockliffe is only 1lb higher than his last winning mark at Catterick a year ago.
Buckled 14-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 3 out, weakened before next, 9th of 12, dist behind Emerald Chieftan (11-8) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in May.
The Distant Lady (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) In rear, slow 1st, headway 7th, weakened before 2 out, mistake last, 4th of 8, 31 1/2l behind Crossgalesfamegame (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 5f mdn (4) hvy in Nov.
Percy B Shelley 9-2 (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, 5th when jumped right 2 out, pushed along and no impression in 4th approaching last, no extra, 4th of 18, 11l behind The Chapel Field (11-4) at Thurles 2m hcp sft in Nov.
Titus Bolt (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Keen in touch, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, never able to challenge, 3rd of 14, 12 1/2l behind Gennady (11-10) at Kelso 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Mercer's Troop (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Mid-division, weakened 5 out, tailed off, 11th of 14, dist behind Gennady (11-10) at Kelso 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Veiled Secret (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) In touch, headway 4 out, ridden to press winner 2 out, not fluent next, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Methag (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp (5) gd in Nov.
Island Villa (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Rear of mid-division, weakened from 3 out, pulled up before next, at Tramore 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Oct.
Rockliffe 11-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, chased front pair over 4f out, ridden inside final 2f, kept on same pace, never able to challenge, 3rd of 5, 7 1/4l behind Clearance (9-13) at Ripon 2m hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Russian Royale 40-1 (10-2) Held up well in rear, ridden 3 out, outpaced next, 4th of 6, dist behind Amberose (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Piranto (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Waited with, 14th after 2nd, no impression after 3 out, kept on same pace without threatening from next, 10th of 17, 17 1/2l behind Bective Cave (11-5) at Down Royal 2m hcp gd in Aug.
Dark And Dangerous (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Led, headed soon after 2nd, led again 2 out (normal 3 out), headed omitted 2 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 14, dist behind Casimir Du Clos (11-1) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (5) hvy in Nov.
Ardglass Star (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, well beaten 3 out, 7th of 10, 37 1/2l behind Lucky Flight (11-4) at Kelso 2m (4) sft in Oct.
Hot Gossip (IRE) 6-1 (10-2) Held up in rear, slow 4th and 5th, headway 3 out, never nearer, 4th of 9, 30l behind Calivigny (11-12) at Ayr 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
