The prospect of very testing ground makes this an unappealing betting medium, so only a minimum stakes play on Mister Pink is advised; Jardin De Vienne and Celtic Spirits are others to bear in mind, while Sumdancer should also go well but has a stiff test under a penalty. The last named will have the assistance of a 5lb claimer in the shape of conditional jockey, Marc Goldstein. However, he failed to act on testing ground in his native New Zealand, so has something to prove on the predicted going. Celtic Spirit, rated 83 on the Flat, was thrown in at the deep end at Ascot on his hurdles debut in December and struggled as a result. A subsequent outing at Lingfield yielding a bit more promise until he got tired in the closing stages. Gary Moore has his string firing on all cylinders just and, even though it will be difficult to make the running in these conditions, the gelding cannot be ruled out. Jardin De Vienne has experience of the course and is likely to be a popular choice in the betting. He is going the right way and, as he is in a minority of those that have acted on heavy ground, he heads the shortlist of alternatives. Nevertheless, Mister Pink makes a touch more appeal. The Richard Rowe-trained gelding is progressing with every outing and, as he has already proved he stays further than this, Mister Pink looks the most likely candidate to handle this test of stamina.
Sumdancer (NZ) 25-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders and keen, led after 1st, hit 3 out, headed when left clear 2 out, kept on, won at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft beating Wee Alfie (11-5) by 21l, 6 ran.
Bowl of Cherries 50-1 (11-5) In touch, weakened 4 out, 13th of 16, well behind Luxurix (11-5) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Celtic Spirit (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Led, clear by 3rd, headed approaching 2 out and weakened, 5th of 16, 21l behind Luxurix (11-5) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Grand Sefton 150-1 (10-12) Held up, pulled hard, ridden, weakened 6th, tailed off when fell at the last in race won by Mexican Bob (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) gd in Dec, 14 ran.
Huck Finn (NZ) 100-1 (11-5) Keen, tracked leaders, weakened 4 out, 11th of 16, well behind Luxurix (11-5) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Jardin De Vienne (FR) 3-1 (11-0) In touch, headway after 5th, effort after 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 18, 19l behind Group Captain (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Makai 125-1 (11-0) Never a factor, 10th of 16, well behind Luxurix (11-5) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Mister Pink 8-1 (10-12) Prominent and keen, ridden and every chance when mistake last, held close home, 2nd of 10, hd behind The Apprentice (10-9) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Napolito (FR) 66-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, no impression, 6th of 14, 33l behind Premier Des Marais (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gd.
Take It There 66-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway after 5th, soon ridden, weakening when pecked 2 out, 12th of 18, well behind Pasco (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
You Know Bridie (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Raced wide, held up, headway 7th, no impression, 10th of 14, 40l behind Maggie Mathias (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Kings Story (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear, never a danger, 7th of 13, 34l behind Chapoturgeon (11-0) at Lingfield 2m 4yo mdn hdl (4) sft.
