Money Trix may have been off the course since April 2006 but he is still likely to be a warm order to make a winning debut over fences with Frankie Figg, Rothbury and Chef De Cour the only realistic dangers. There wasn't a great deal to choose between that trio over hurdles but it would be no surprise if Frankie Figg were to make up into the better chaser. He was in the process of running a big race on debut in a race won by Nevertika when falling two from home and won't be long in getting off the mark. That said, it would be a surprise to see him get the better of Nicky Richards's exciting prospect who found only Black Jack Ketchum too strong when last seen in action in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. That form stands out in this company and, while there are obvious concerns about his fitness and the trip which is probably a bare minimum, Money Trix should have too much class for this opposition.
Abzuson 50-1 (10-5) Never a threat, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Burntoakboy (11-5) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs, 10 ran.
Chef de Cour (FR) 9-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, steady headway 4 out, led after last, driven out comfortably, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov beating Tartan Snow (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Frankie Figg (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led, ridden when fell 4 out in race won by Nevertika (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Dec, 7 ran.
Gypsy George 11-2 (11-0) Behind, headway 8th, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 14, 25l behind Divex (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gf in Dec.
Money Trix (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) In touch, chased leaders after 4 out, stayed on to take 2nd close home, 2nd of 11, 5l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Apr '06.
Norminster 25-1 (10-9) Held up, struggling from 5 out, 11th of 18, well behind Go Johnny (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Nov.
Rothbury 9-2 (11-6) Held up in touch, every chance 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 20l behind Dancer's Serenade (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
