Linus is the tentative pick in a moderate contest, with Fairtoto, Up The Glen and Mister Pickwick not out of it either. Linus beat a 122-rated rival at Newton Abbot in September, and as a result, has suffered at the hands of the handicapper. However, he posted a fair effort off a mark of 106 in a Leicester claimer just over a fortnight ago, and back down to this level, should go close. Fairtoto, pulled up over fences at Ludlow recently, has fair form in the context of this race over hurdles and will not mind the ground. Up The Glen tried to make all on his chase debut at Uttoxeter, but tired three out. He is a real galloper who should not be discounted back over timber, while Mister Pickwick is the only course and distance winner in the line up, so is worthy of respect. It is a weak but tricky race from a betting point of view, so only a small stake on Linus is suggested.
