SPARTAN PLACE can start to make up for lost time by defying topweight although Rudivale and Oscar Jack could have something to say about that in a race where there are a number of unexposed runners. They include the selection who is making his first appearance over fences on just his second start since 2005. He was well backed ahead of his return at Sandown and ran a blinder, despite being a little worked up, to come home in second. He's been given a good bit of time to recover from those exertions and can gain a belated maiden success. Rudivale moves into handicap company after just one start over fences where he wasn't sighted but it would be no surprise to see this winning hurdler attract support and fare better now. The market should also provide us with an indication of how well Oscar Jack is expected to run for a yard that places its horses well. Bob Buckler's horses are running quite well at present and Taipan's Promise could fare better than on his chasing bow at Newbury whilst Dougie Costello is an interesting booking for chasing debutante Sula's Legend. Junctiontwentyfour and The Hardy Boy could both get into the shake-up in a race where the market may help us to put a line through some of the dark horses. Spartan Place looks sure to have been primed for this contest though and gets the vote.
Spartan Place 7-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, headway approaching 2 out, soon every chance, kept on under pressure flat, went 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Kadouchski (11-3) at Sandown 2m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Rudivale (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up last, going well 14th, ridden after, weakened 4 out, 4th of 7, well behind Kornati Kid (11-0) at Exeter 3m beg chs (3) sft in Dec.
Most Definitely (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway 4 out, ridden and mistake 3 out, soon held, 6th of 15, 8l behind Forty Five (10-7) at Ludlow 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Nous Voila (FR) 50-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear when pecked and unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Ordre de Bataille (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Dec, 10 ran.
Junctiontwentyfour 15-2 (10-9) In touch, hit 4th, no chance when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Alcatras (10-1) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec, 12 ran.
Taipan's Promise (IRE) 28-1 (10-4) In touch until lost place 6th, blundered 9th and next, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Buck The Legend (11-11) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov, 9 ran.
Sula's Legend 5-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden and found nil from 3 out, left poor 4th last, 4th of 17, 28l behind Deep Pockets (11-7) at Exeter 2m 5f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
The Hardy Boy 8-1 (11-9) Chased leader, switched right before and left in lead soon after last, quickened clear, won at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Dec beating Keltic Moon (12-2) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Oscar Jack (FR) 5-2 (10-13) Soon tracking leaders, chased winner 8th, jumped left 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Arumun (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Oct.
Mighty Moose (IRE) 7-4fav (11-5) Held up last, ridden 8th, blundered 9th, soon weakened, behind from 4 out, 3rd of 8, well behind Ping Pong Sivola (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Funny Fellow 33-1 (10-10) Always towards rear, behind when fell 2 out in race won by Baseball Ted (10-6) at Ascot 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec, 13 ran.
