Big Bertha gets the vote to land the opener with Young Yozza and Bobs' Dream pur forward to fill the placings. Big Bertha travelled very well last time before mistakes late on put paid to her chances. The drop back in trip is likely to suit and the booking of Josh Guerriero is a further positive. Young Yozza stepped up considerably on what he had shown previously to land a seller on his most recent outing. That win was achieved with consumate ease and he can make his presence felt in this, his first tilt at handicap company. Bob's Dream was a winner over course and distance in December. Upped 9lb for that win, he has struggled since but with a capable amateur on board he can get in the shakeup. Others of note include Film Festival, an 89 rated performer for John Oxx two years ago. He appears to be struggling to see out the extended trip over obstacles while Devil's Disguise drops back in trip from his handicap debut last time where he appeared not to stay. The market should prove a good guide to his prospects. An open affair to get proceedings underway and Big Bertha is a tentitative selection.
Papillon de Iena (FR) 16-1 (11-2) In touch, lost place before 4 out, 9th of 13, 35l behind Ouragan De Prairie (10-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft.
Young Yozza 12-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ran on, won at Leicester 2m nov clm hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Never Panic (10-0) by 8l, 12 ran.
Basinet 16-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden 3 out no impression, 5th of 17, 7l behind Bogus Dreams (11-7) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Dec '06.
Bob's Dream (IRE) 16-1 (10-5) Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, soon one pace, 5th of 13, 19l behind Dundock (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs.
Film Festival (USA) 50-1 (10-1) Held up, ridden and no impression when hampered 2 out, 7th of 9, 12l behind Halla San (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd.
Devil's Disguise 12-1 (11-2) Held up behind, headway approaching 3 out, effort next, ridden and one pace between last 2, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Our Joycey (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan.
Big Bertha 6-1 (10-0) In touch, effort when mistake 2 out, ridden between last 2, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Singhalongtasveer (11-8) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec.
Red O'Donnell (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) In touch until weakened 3 out, 10th of 13, 38l behind Edgeover (11-5) at Ludlow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Hardybuck (IRE) 28-1 (10-4) Soon tracking leaders and keen, pushed along 8th, soon weakened, tailed off 2 out, last of 12, well behind Anchors Away (10-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Dec.
Mr Midaz 66-1 (9-6) Always towards rear, 8th of 13, 38l behind Dundock (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs.
Perfect Punch 8-1 (11-9) Held up, ridden 4 out, not trouble leaders, 8th of 16, 48l behind Brilliant (10-4) at Leicester 2m 4f cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gf in Dec.
Peterpan de Solzen (FR) 100-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, not fluent next, kept on flat, 3rd of 11, 37l behind Quality Control (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy.
Amjad 12-1 (11-6) Always behind, tailed off from 3 out, 7th of 12, 38l behind Monash Lad (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 1f cnd sll hcp hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
