Brave Rebellion has some fair if unspectacular form to his name however Circassian could be the type to do well over fences and so Howard Johnson's charge is fancied to oblige at the first time of asking. The selection was rated in the mid 120's over hurdles and is sure to have been well-schooled over the bigger obstacles back in County Durham. He looks sure to make into a decent chaser and he can go well with the small field a bonus on debut. Brave Rebellion will be at home on this ground and whilst he wouldn't want the ground to soften considerably, he should go well with the experience of a few chase starts on his side. King Of Confusion should improve physically for a recent outing, whilst Sharp Reply has winning course form and was decent over hurdles. Tirol Livit looks outclassed, whilst Gripit N Tipit travels over from Ireland and should be monitored for support in the betting. An open-looking contest with Circassian given the nod.
Brave Rebellion 5-1 (10-12) Chased leaders until weakened approaching 4 out, 5th of 8, 10l behind Akilak (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Circassian (IRE) 7-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, headway 7th, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure from last, just held, 2nd of 9, hd behind Snow's Ride (10-3) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Nov.
Gripit N Tipit (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, moderate 4th and no impression under pressure from before 4 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 16, 15l behind Dark Artist (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f beg chs gs in Nov.
King of Confusion (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Mid-division, mistake 10th, kept on, never nearer, 3rd of 13, 15l behind Sunday City (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Sharp Reply (USA) 14-1 (11-3) In touch, close up when hit 3 out, weakened approaching next, 8th of 15, 19l behind Souffleur (10-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov.
Tirol Livit (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 4th, ridden and weakened 5th, 7th of 10, 38l behind Share My Dream (10-9) at Worcester 2m nov clm hdl (5) sft in Jun.
