Despite being well-in in the weights we oppose recent winner Heavenly Chorus in favour of on form NORMINSTER while All For The Cause could also pose a threat. The selection has been running really well of late recording two wins and a runners-up spot in the last three starts. Official rating would have it that the selection has a bit to find on the others here but his decisive distance victory in testing conditions at Carlisle last time suggest that he can find what he needs off these terms. Heavenly Chorus receives weight all round here but is one of the highest rated in the race. She was a winner on her penultimate start before struggling under a penalty on her latest effort. The form from that last outing at least stands true and on these terms looks a major danger. All For The Cause is yet to win over fences but takes a step down in class from his recent starts, in which he has run ok at best. The form stands up well from his penultimate effort and he has to be respected in this company. Sandy's Legend takes to chasing for the first time but was nothing special over hurdles and is probably best watched for any improvement so we side with form and Norminster.
All For The Cause (IRE) 10-3 (11-0) Tracked leaders, blundered 1st, ridden 3 out, soon one pace, 4th of 7, 17l behind Beggars Cap (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Nov.
Bob's Dream (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Justwhateverulike (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Norminster 5-2 (11-2) In touch, led last, stayed on, won at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec beating Gunadoir (11-4) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Pass The Class (IRE) 28-1 (10-7) Prominent, led approaching 7th til headed 9th, ridden 4 out, soon beaten, 8th of 12, 36l behind Auroras Encore (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Sandy's Legend (USA) 15-2 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Supsonic (10-5) at Leicester 2m sll hdl (5) sft in Dec.
Hello Nod 18-1 (10-12) Held up, chased leaders 5 out, weakened next, 10th of 12, 35l behind Issaquah (10-10) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
John Dillon (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Mid-division, lost place 11th, soon well behind, 5th of 9, 46l behind Tell Henry (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Nov.
Heavenly Chorus 10-1 (11-3) Led to 2 out, weakened last, 8th of 15, 28l behind Chaim (10-9) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
