David Pipe sent out last year's winner and his Epic Warrior was third here last month in a race in which Willoughby Hedge was close up when falling at the cross fence on the final circuit. Both go on the short-list today along with a rejuvenated Fruity O'Rooney, who had Bob Tucker well behind when winning at Ascot in November. Ballyoliver has a bit to prove at present but Henllan Harri had been running well prior to being pulled up over a longer trip here last month. Kerry Lee's chasers are carrying all before them and GOODTOKNOW is due a good run. He was just behind last month's Doncaster third Achimota at Bangor around this time last year but there is nothing between the pair on today's terms.
Bob Tucker (IRE) 5-1jfav (11-10) Chased leaders, hit 16th, driven along in 5th after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 9, 16 1/4l behind Fruity O'Rooney (11-0) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Ballyoliver 15-2 (11-8) In rear, reminders and headway before 11th, weakened from 6 out, 9th of 10, 34 1/4l behind Vintage Star (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Henllan Harri (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, struggling 13th, rallied briefly before 4 out, weakened and pulled up before 2 out, at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Fruity O'Rooney 7-1 (11-7) Led until 14th, chased winner until approaching 3 out, 2nd again run-in, no chance with winner, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 9, 9 1/2l behind Baby Shine (11-11) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Achimota (IRE) 7-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, one pace in 3rd before last, 3rd of 10, 17l behind Sego Success (11-1) at Doncaster 3m hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Goodtoknow 15-2 (10-9) Held up in rear, slow 9th, blundered 6 and 5 out, pulled up before next, at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Berkeley Barron (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Mistake 2nd, soon pushed along in mid-division, reminders from 4th, hampered 11th, rallied to chase leaders 4 out, went 4th next, kept on same pace, never on terms, 4th of 14, 31l behind Imagine The Chat (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Epic Warrior (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Made most, blundered 11th, headed 3 out, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair before last, 3rd of 14, 16l behind Imagine The Chat (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Willoughby Hedge 8-1 (11-3) Held up behind, headway 12th, disputed 2nd and close up when fell 5 out, at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Merlin's Wish 14-1 (11-12) Jumped left, never travelled and soon pushed along, mistake and ridden 3rd, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 13th, at Exeter 3m 6f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Alanjou (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Led until approaching 4 out, chased leaders, weakened after next, 8th of 15, dist behind Amiral Collonges (11-6) at Ascot 3m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Qulinton (FR) 40-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, weakened before 6 out, pulled up, at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
