The vote here goes to Cousin Nicky ahead of Lease Back and Macmar. The handicapper went a bit mad with Cousin Nicky following his Newbury win but, now that his mark has been adjusted downwards again, he looks to hold a realistic chance today. Much as Lease Back has yet to build on his novice win, he travelled well for a long way at Fakenham last time and today's trip could suit better. Macmar has shown that he can run pretty well from his current rating, while Longueville Manor is too polite to win it seems but often gets placed. Whitford Don turned back the clock to win at Towcester last time and, if the same sort of mood, a 10-pounds rise may not stop him from performing well again. Finally, Moorlands Return keeps nudging up the weights for getting placed but returning home with some money is not out of the question. Overall, though, we are happy to stick with Cousin Nicky.
Killing Me Softly 14-1 (11-9) Tracked leader until 3rd, ridden 5th, weakened soon after 3 out, 5th of 9, 40l behind Kercabellec (10-1) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Feb.
Cousin Nicky 12-1 (10-0) Held up in touch, headway 7th, blundered 2 out, beaten when mistake last, 5th of 10, 8l behind Whispered Secret (10-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Jan.
Lease Back (FR) 20-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 8th, joined leader 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 10, 17l behind New Perk (10-6) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Patsy Bee (IRE) 25-1 (9-10) Mid-division, reminders 5 out, no extra after next, 19th of 27, well behind Adamant Approach (11-1) at Leopardstown 3m hcp hdl hvy in Jan.
Macmar (FR) 20-1 (11-8) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 15, 44l behind Celtic Major (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
Longueville Manor (FR) 7-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 5th, chased leaders 3 out, every chance, beaten before last, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Dark Corner (10-3) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan.
Whitford Don (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) In rear, steady headway 7th, led on bit 2 out, ridden approaching last, ran on, won at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Feb beating Eurocelt (11-12) by 10l, 16 ran.
Moorlands Return 9-2jt-fav (11-5) In touch and never going, soon driven along, chased leaders 3 out, weakened soon after, beaten when pulled up at the last in race won by Whitford Don (11-1) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Feb, 16 ran.
