Unless their is something decent amongst the newcomers this should go to VERY FIRST TIME. Tim Easterby's youngster has improved with each run and showed himself suited by testing ground when just failing to hold Red Indian over slightly shorter here last month. The trio with experience have all been beaten a long way so Randy Pike, who is out of a winning bumper, and Black Ivory, who is likely to do better when tackling fences in time, could provide the main threats.
Bill D'Aron (FR) Dom Alco gelding out of Nobless D'aron.
Eastview Boy 11-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 4th, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on to take modest 3rd over 1f out, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 4, 29l behind Tomngerry (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (6) hvy in Dec.
Oak Vintage (IRE) 17-2 (11-2) Held up in touch, weakened over 5f out, 6th of 7, 33 1/2l behind Mcgregor's Cottage (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (6) hvy in Dec.
Paddling (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division, chased leaders over 5f out, soon close up, weakened inside final 2f, 5th of 8, 28 3/4l behind High Bridge (11-7) at Catterick 2m (6) sft in Dec.
Randy Pike (IRE) Mahler gelding out of Niamh's Leader.
Lady Broome Erhaab M out of Minnesinger.
Black Ivory Revoque gelding out of Annie's Gift.
Very First Time 10-1 (10-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders halfway, went 2nd over 3f out, led well over 2f out, ridden and headed narrowly over 1f out, kept on and every chance final furlong, just held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Red Indian (10-12) at Newcastle 1m 7f (6) hvy in Dec.
Speranza Bahri filly out of Toarmandowithlove.