While it is impossible to completely rule out Monteforte given that he is trained by Jim Old, recent form suggests that the eight-year-old is hard to recommend with any confidence and a better bet looks to be Reel Missile, who is preferred to Lazerito. The selection has had plenty of chances but few as easy as this and, with conditions to suit, he looks worth a bet to open his chasing account. Salhood lacks any chasing experience and has been off since December so may be best watched today, while Rifleman has become difficult to win with and makes limited appeal. Beauchamp Prince is probably better than he has shown previously this season but is hardly betting material on thsii term's evidence and of more interest may be the lightly raced Lazerito, whop has been quickly put over fences after just three previous outings. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding may be of interest but Reel Missile sets a fair standard and he gets the vote.
Lazerito (IRE) 5-2fav (11-2) Led to 1st, led again 8th, ridden clear after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, jumped left last, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 15, 10l behind Naunton Brook (11-1) at Warwick 3m 1f nov hdl (E) gd in Mar '04.
Monteforte 11-2jt-fav (11-11) Prominent until weakened quickly pulled up 5 out in race won by Drumbeater (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Dec, 18 ran.
Reel Missile 14-1 (11-2) Led and jumped right, mistake and headed after 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out, 4th of 6, 12l behind Green Tango (11-7) at Southwell 2m nov chs (2) gs in Jan.
Rifleman (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) In touch, headway 8th, outpaced after 5 out, 5th of 15, 44l behind Mr Prickle (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Feb.
Salhood 14-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, 10th of 15, 40l behind Star Member (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Dec.
Beauchamp Prince (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Jumped slowly throughout, held up in rear, blundered 14th, never on terms, 5th of 8, 40l behind Eskimo Pie (11-4) at Fakenham 3m beg chs (4) gs in Feb.
