Wizard of Edge has topweight but has the scope to progress again so merits the vote over Italian Counsel, Before The Mast and Adecco to name but three. Christian Williams has had his detractors this season but gave Wizard of Edge a fine ride from the front here in January. Granted he looked held when passed by Priscilla who then came down at the last, but it was still a commendable effort, and the six-year-old should again go well round here. Italian Counsel has not been seen since September 2004 when second to Ross Comm over fences. He is well treated over the bigger obstacles compared to his hurdles mark but surely his absence will count against him here. Before The Mast was very highly thought of when finishing second to Lord Sam on his bumper debut for Noel Chance four years ago, but has had his problems and missed out on the whole of 2004. He has since joined Milton Harris who has not over faced him that is for sure, and just of late he has been showing a glimpse of what he is capable of over fences. He is worth keeping on the right side as is Adecco with the stable in form. A narrow vote goes to Wizard of Edge.
Wizard of Edge 10-3fav (11-4) Led after 4th, headed approaching last, held when left clear last, won at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Jan beating Randolph O'Brien (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Ilabon (FR) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 6th, weakening when mistake 3 out, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Haile Selassie (10-10) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Feb, 10 ran.
Adecco (IRE) 4-1fav (11-12) Held up, headway 6th, went 2nd briefly and blundered 2 out, not recover, 3rd of 14, 6l behind Baron Blitzkrieg (10-1) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Feb.
Barella (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Held up, headway 6th, ridden, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 17, 12l behind Ambersong (11-13) at Ludlow 2m sll hdl (5) gf in Feb.
Before The Mast (IRE) 15-8fav (10-0) Held up, hit 7th, headway to chase leaders next, ridden and one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Log On Intersky (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Wondersobright (IRE) 8-1 (10-8) Led, slight mistake 1st, mistake 3rd, strongly pressed when slight mistake 2 out, soon headed and no extra, last of 5, 13l behind Charging (11-13) at Cork 2m hcp chs 0-116 hvy in Jan.
Italian Counsel (IRE) 4-6fav (11-3) Held up, headway approaching 5th, led 11th, ridden 4 out, headed 2 out, weakened last, 2nd of 8, 13l behind Ross Comm (10-8) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gf in Sept '04.
It's My Party 17-2 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Sunley Future (11-1) at Taunton 2m 1f sll hdl (5) gs in Feb.
