River Logic is better than he has been showing of late but he still looks high enough in the weights; therefore the vote goes to Hue ahead of Northern Alliance and Along The Nile. The selection was beaten fair and square at Carlisle last time out following a rise in the weights. The handicapper has dropped him a whole pound for that run, but he looks sure to get a more truly-run race today which will suit his hold-up style. Along The Nile is unexposed over hurdles but will be taken on for the lead here and has to pull out more, whilst Shares and Tiger King represent Peter Monteith and each needs close inspection in the betting. Stainley and English City have both been in good form of late and each has place claims, whilst Northern Alliance is hard to assess. He has been hammered in the handicap but he had previously looked very well handicapped; therefore the inevitable market support may be taken with a pinch of salt. Ballyan should not be overlooked as he ahas ability but so far this season he hasn't consented to give his all. At a price the dour stayer Rare Coincidence could gain a place, however it is Hue who can land the prize.
River Logic (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, lost place from 4 out, 8th of 9, 28l behind Traprain (11-2) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Nov.
Rare Coincidence 66-1 (11-6) Toward rear, never dangerous, 8th of 16, well behind Witch Wind (11-5) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Along The Nile 14-1 (10-7) Made all, under pressure from 2 out, hit last, driven out, won at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Nov beating Sea Storm (10-9) by 1l, 14 ran.
Hue 6-1 (11-6) Held up behind, headway 3 out, ridden and one pace when hit last, no impression, 4th of 11, 13l behind Le Rouge Fatal (10-1) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Shares (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Always towards rear, struggling from 8th, 6th of 7, 45l behind Jefertiti (10-6) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
Tiger King (GER) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, prominent 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 11, 14l behind Roman Villa (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Balyan (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up behind, struggling 4 out, never on terms, 5th of 9, 32l behind Palomar (9-10) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Northern Alliance (IRE) 3-1fav (10-7) Held up, headway on outer after 4 out, 5th 2 out, soon ridden, 4th and no extra after last, 4th of 22, 7l behind Bobsthewizard (10-6) at Punchestown 2m nov hcp hdl gs in Nov.
Stainley (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Roman Villa (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
English City (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Mid-division, headway approaching 7th, ridden after 8th, challenge for 2nd from 2 out until last, no extra, 3rd of 18, 9l behind Risk Runner (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Regent's Secret (USA) 33-1 (10-11) Towards rear, effort 4th, soon beaten, 7th of 11, 16l behind Roman Villa (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Tranos (USA) 25-1 (10-12) Held up, effort after 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 16l behind Along The Nile (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Nov.
Ipay Isay (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Led to 4th, close up until weakened 7th, 8th of 13, 36l behind Toulouse Express (11-2) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Apr.
Majestic Chief 11-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, weakened after 5th, hampered 2 out, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind Hypnotic Vibes (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
