The vote here goes to Golden Oak ahead of Gunship and Seafield Bogie. It is hard to be too complimentary about the form of Golden Oak's Folkestone win last time but, with this race being modest in grade, the confidence gained there could well see him defy his penalty today. Gunship looked set to defy his new rating before his stamina gave out at Taunton last time but, back at today's trip, he looks likely to get involved. Danse Macabre maybe has not shown enough over fences yet to be a confident choice but he has won over hurdles here from a higher mark than today. Obelix de Longechaux has a new mark to defy if scoring but Seafield Bogie ran pretty well off his current mark last time and can go well. Once again, though, the vote goes to Golden Oak.
Seafield Bogie (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, challenged 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Glimmer of Light (10-13) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Feb.
Obelix De Longechaux (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, closer order 9th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 21l behind Money Line (11-2) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
Danse Macabre (IRE) 28-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 6th, no extra before last, 3rd of 8, 28l behind Quirino (11-0) at Towcester 2m 3f beg chs (4) hvy in Jan.
Golden Oak (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Held up, chased leaders 3 out, led last, ridden clear, won at Folkestone 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb beating Ballyrainey (10-10) by 7l, 4 ran.
Gunship (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Soon prominent, hit 3rd, mistake 13th, led after 4 out until next, 3rd and beaten when blundered badly and unseated rider in race won by Tradingup (10-9) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Feb, 12 ran.
