Oceana Gold had the highest ratings of these over hurdles but he hasn't raced since October and Emma Lavelle's yard has been in the doldrums lately. Norman The Great is the only one of the trio with previous experience over the larger obstacles but he was never travelling with enthusiasm when pulled up at Newbury last month and may need his confidence restoring. DR LIVINGSTONE has hardly been prolific lately but was always going to struggle over an inadequate trip on the Flat at Beverley last time and had at least been performing with credit over hurdles previously. Charlie Egerton's novice chasers have usually had plenty of schooling prior to running over fences and the six-year-old gets the vote in this.
Oceana Gold 20-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced after 3 out, no impression from next, 6th of 11, 21l behind Astracad (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Dr Livingstone (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division,headway when mistake 3 out, soon no impression, 8th of 14, 19l behind Numide (11-2) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Norman The Great 9-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, ridden and lost touch 5 out, soon well behind, pulled up after, in a race won by Quipe Me Posted (9-13) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar, 6 ran.
