This looks to be a competitive affair with Batswing, Grouse Moor, The Local and Greensmith Lane all having solid claims but be we will side with The Local as our idea of the winner. The selection was a little disappointing last time when finished in mid-division in this grade behind Dom D¿Orgeval, but he was unsuited by the heavy ground that day and with conditions more in his favour here he looks the one to beat. Batswing won well last time in a chase and returns to the hurdles today in good heart. However, he is probably better over the bigger obstacles and his latest efforts over hurdles leave a lot to be desired. Grouse Moor ran well at Fontwell earlier in the month when the step up in trip seemed to play to his strengths, so he is overlooked here on his return to 2m. Greensmith Lane was given a tender ride on his return from a long break at Lingfield last time when fifth behind Vivid Imagination. He is sure to come on for the run and he will be particularly interesting if he is supported in the market.# However, in a tight affair we will stick with The Local as the one they all have to beat.
Alright Now M'Lad (IRE) 8-1 Mid-division, headway over 4f out, driven to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 20, 8l behind Bugle Major at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Captain Cloudy 66-1 Always towards rear, 7th of 13, well behind Napolitain at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (E) gs in Jan.
Delgay Lad 100-1 In touch, close up 3 out, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 15th of 18, well behind Regents Walk at Newbury 2m 3f nh nov hdl (D) gd in Dec.
Mac's Elan 100-1 Held up, jumped slowly 2nd, behind when jumped right 4th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Clear Thinking at Newbury 2m nov hdl (C) gs, 11 ran.
Magnesium (USA) 22-1 Held up and pulled hard, some headway after 4th, weakened after 4 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Clear Thinking at Newbury 2m nov hdl (C) gs, 11 ran.
Mon Mome (FR) 5-1 Prominent, mistake 8th, chased leading pair after next, soon weakened under pressure, 6th of 16, 22l behind Victom's Chance at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (F) gs.
Samandara (FR) 11-1 Always towards rear, 13th of 16, well behind Supreme Dawn at Exeter 2m 1f mdn hdl (F) gd in May.
Flying Patriarch 4-1co-fav With leader, driven and mistake 2 out, jumped left and led soon after last, headed and not quicken run-in, 2nd of 15, 2 1/2l behind It's Blue Chip at Plumpton 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Mr Twins (ARG) 33-1 Towards rear, pushed along 4f out, never nearer, 8th of 14, 7l behind Easter Ogil at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (F4) pol (Flat).
