After the way Multi Talented won last time it is hard to look any further for the winner here, Wild Spice, General Claremont and Skycab may provide most danger. The selection jumped superbly in that modest event at Fontwell and easily pulled away from some seasoned handicappers. If anything today's rivals are of a lower standard and a follow up looks on the cards. Wild Spice unseated rider at Exeter last time but had put in some promising displays prior to that and should go well for his in form stable. Skycab is consistent is this type of company and ran another solid race last time at Fakenham when third behind Don't Tell Jr. Meanwhile General Claremont comes into argument on his hunter chase success last May. Dun Locha Castle is also worthy of a mention, but Multi Talented looks one to follow and gets the verdict.
General Claremont (IRE) 11-4fav Mid-division, headway 6th, chased winner from 12th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 9, well behind Double Honour at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Jul.
Multi Talented (IRE) 10-3 Held up, mistake 2nd, headway approaching 8th, mistake next, led 14th, clear 15th, ridden 3 out, ran on well, won at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs beating River Marshal by 20l, 5 ran.
Wild Spice (IRE) 3-1fav Held up, ridden and headway after 13th, 4th when blundered and unseated rider in race won by Happy Hussar at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft in Jan, 9 ran.
Skycab (IRE) 7-1 Ran in snatches, held up, headway to track leader 13th, ridden 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Don't Tell Jr at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd.
Oriental Style (IRE) 7-1 Towards rear, well behind from 10th, virtually pulled up flat, last of 8, well behind Great Crusader at Folkestone 3m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Mar '03.
Ballybrophy (IRE) 25-1 Prominent to 7th, ridden approaching 10th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Kausse de Thaix at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft, 10 ran.
River Bug (IRE) 13-2 Prominent, effort 9th, under pressure and lost place 12th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Gee Aker Malayo at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gs, 12 ran.
Dun Locha Castle (IRE) 11-2 Took keen hold, tracked leader, led 11th to 14th, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 12, 32l behind Gee Aker Malayo at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gs.
