Treehouse continued his progressive staying profile last time at Hexham and he's entitled to go well again but we think we may have found some value here in SHULMIN, who can only seem to win over course and distance, while Montana Gold only just missed out last time so is on the shortlist. This will be the first time the pick has returned to his favourite assignment under a mark lower than when last successful. Given that more often than not he is in the frame in these conditions he just might be worth chancing in this race. Treehouse battled hard to win at Hexham last time and still looks under a fair mark for that score where the six-year-old easily held the re-opposing Neidpath Castle. Montana Gold was only just beaten in the final strides a Fontwell on his last outing so should go close again although the handicapper hasn't done him any favours. Glen Rouge is another for consideration based on his hurdles form but this time we go for some value in course specialist Shulmin.
Montana Gold (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Held up towards rear, mistake 11th, headway 15th, chased leaders next, led before 3 out, strongly challenged next, headed, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Its A Classic (11-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft.
Treehouse 4-1fav (11-2) Held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 4 out, went 2nd approaching last, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy beating Reckless Venture (11-6) by 2 1/4l, 15 ran.
Matmata de Tendron (FR) 7-2 (11-4) Pressed leader until approaching 15th, weakened 4 out, hampered 2 out, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Opus Cafe (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) sft in Nov.
French Ties (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Behind, blundered and unseated rider 10th, in a race won by Treehouse (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy, 15 ran.
Editors Rose (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Chased leaders early, soon lost place, towards rear halfway, no impression from before 4 out, kept on one pace, tailed off (poor visibility), 8th of 17, well behind East Beach (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chs hvy in Nov.
Polobury 16-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, pushed along after 7th, never dangerous, 9th of 15, well behind Treehouse (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy.
Shulmin 33-1 (10-10) Held up, weakened 3 out, 8th of 15, 44l behind Treehouse (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy.
Neidpath Castle 28-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, no impression from over 2f out, 6th of 15, 14l behind Treehouse (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy.
Glen Rouge (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Held up, outpaced 4 out, went moderate 3rd after last, no impression, 3rd of 10, 32l behind Broughton Green (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Tully Hill 20-1 (9-13) Led, headed 4 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 15, 32l behind Treehouse (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp 0-90 (5) hvy.
