Making it onto the shortlist in the finale are Runthatpastmeagain and Tisseman, with the former being narrowly preferred. Runthatpastmeagain is bred for this game and, having finished a promising third to Oceanos des Obeaux on his hurdling debut, he can go well here. Suntini has something to find with him based on that form although the promise he has shown overall means that a good run is not ruled out. A big danger to the selection is Tisseman, who has looked good in winning two of his last three starts. He rates as a major player here despite having to concede the field five pounds. Of the others, Edgbriar has shown plenty promise in bumpers, including on testing going, and while Jump Jet is not among the best of Carl Llewellyn's bumper runners but he has shown a modicum of promise in two starts. Overall, though, the narrow vote goes to Runthatpastmeagain.
Tisseman (IRE) 6-4fav (11-3) Led after 1st, ridden 2 out, driven out flat, won at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Ashwell Lad (11-3) by 5l, 11 ran.
Edgbriar (FR) 28-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders and keen, in 2nd when switched right and jinked left, stumbled badly over 1f out, weakened after, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Den of Iniquity (11-9) at Warwick 2m nhf lst (1) hvy in Jan.
Eluvaparty 10-1 (10-11) Set moderate pace, quickened 6f out, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 9, 21l behind Hennessy (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) gs in Oct '05.
Jump Jet (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, driven over 3f out, soon outpaced, 5th of 13, 12l behind Deep Reflection (11-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (6) sft in Nov.
Longbow Warrior 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, effort 4f out, weakened 3f out, 8th of 15, 33l behind Forest Pennant (11-4) at Kempton 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Oristano (FR) (10-1) Always in the rear, 9th of 13, well behind Outaouais (10-6) at Auteuil 2m 2f chs sft in Sept.
Runthatpastmeagain (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, led briefly 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Oceanos des Obeaux (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Suntini (GER) 16-1 (11-2) Held up, closed on leaders 3 out, upsides 2 out, soon no extra, 3rd of 6, 7l behind William Bonney (11-12) at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
