This is a wide open event in which Lord Lington gets only a tentative vote over stablemate Manly Money, Barton Sands and Mystery. Lord Lington was a beaten favourite on his timber bow at Wetherby, failing to settle behind Thesis. He was a decent winner on the Flat in France, and remains one to keep on the right side of. Stablemate Manly Money was a fair fifth in bumper company here on his debut. A winning pointer, he may need further to be seen to best advantage. Martin Pipe saddles two as well, Barton Sands and Friendly Fellow. The latter was a disappointment when sent off favourite for a decent Cheltenham bumper, but this lesser company may be a help, providing that he jumps soundly. Barton Sands was no great shakes on the Flat after leaving Luca Cumani, and will have to improve here to figure. With Tom George in form, Mystery is worth a second glance. A winner on the Flat in Poland, he can pay to follow if seeing out the trip. A hard race to call really, but Lord Lington gets a narrow vote.
