Birdwatch, It's Bertie and The Miner are the ones for the shortlist here and Birdwatch can fly home in front. It's Bertie won at Carlisle three outings ago, but has gone up the handicap since and has struggled to hit the frame. He is capable on his day though and is respected. With one win in 38 starts The Miner does not have the best wins to runs ratio but he shaped well here last time, finishing second, and he can dig deep and run another good race. Birdwatch relished the testing conditions at Sedgefield two outings ago, running his best race for some time to finish second. he then ran respectably here last time, and he looks nicely weighted. Provided he keeps his mind on the job, Birdwatch can score.
It's Bertie 11-8fav (10-10) Chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 8, 14l behind Eborarry (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 2f nov chs (4) sft in Dec.
Flaming Heck 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, outpaced after 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, 25l behind Miss Pross (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Birdwatch 14-1 (11-12) With leaders, effort 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, 4th of 11, 14l behind Barton Sun (10-5) at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.
The Miner 13-2 (11-8) In touch, challenged 4 out, led before next, headed and no extra run-in, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Baligrundle (10-7) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
Tagar (FR) 20-1 (11-5) In touch, mistake and lost place 4th, ridden 5 out, never on terms, 7th of 14, 21l behind Baligrundle (10-7) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
Mitey Perk (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Made all, unchallenged, won at Ayr 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec beating Musical Chord (11-1) by a distance, 4 ran.
Glenfarclas Boy (IRE) 13-2 (10-1) Held up, mistake 3rd, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 6th of 14, 13l behind Baligrundle (10-7) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
