Seize is frustrating but this looks an ideal oppertunity for Ferdy Murphys' charge to get his head in front at the main expense of Matmata De Tendron and Nicozetto. Seize was well beaten last time but a re-production of a second placing behind Rightful Ruler would see him involved. Matmata De Tendron runs off a mark of 90, 10lb lower than a win on his penultimate start in a handicap chase. It is worrying though that his best form is when a real test of stamina exists and while an emphasis on stamina will exist, a quicker surface is a worry. Nicozetto appeared to get outpaced last time when dropped in trip but is now 12lb higher than a win achieved three outings back. He is pretty consistent though and is a contender for minor honours. At likely bigger odds Emerald Destiny could provide supporters with some value while Zaffie Parson is another worthy of consideration. A competitive event to round up proceedings and Seize our vote.
Totally Scottish 8-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, 5th of 14, 23l behind Tartan Snow (10-13) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan.
Michaels Dream (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 12, 44l behind Fresh Winter (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft.
Seize 13-2 (11-9) Towards rear, ridden and chased leaders 4 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 16, 21l behind Native Coral (11-6) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Nicozetto (FR) 7-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, never on terms, 3rd of 10, 30l behind McGruders Cross (11-7) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Izzykeen 12-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 15, 17l behind Jackie Boy (10-10) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Tickateal 10-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden and no impression from 4 out, 6th of 16, 33l behind Native Coral (11-6) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Versus (GER) 100-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders until ridden and lost place 7th, behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Tartan Snow (10-13) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Matmata de Tendron (FR) 12-1 (10-0) In touch when unseated rider at the 9th in race won by Lucky Nellerie (9-12) at Catterick 3m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Jan, 15 ran.
Silver Feather (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In touch, reminders and lost place 6th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bold Ransom (10-7) at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
Zaffie Parson (IRE) 7-1 (10-0) Held up behind, headway halfway, ridden 3 out, kept on same pace from next, 5th of 12, 22l behind Dickie Lewis (9-9) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy.
Emerald Destiny (IRE) 11-1 (11-2) Chased leaders until weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Northern Quest (10-0) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Dec, 12 ran.
