The vote here goes to Isellido, with Alphabetical and Tom Fruit suggested as other possibles. Isellido won decisively in novice company last time and, overall, her mark would appear to make her competitive today. Despite being raised 17 pounds for his Fontwell win, Alphabetical could well still be ahead of the handicapper based on that success, and he can go well today. Per Amore would hold a big chance based on his 2003 form, but he seems to have lost his way lately. Tom Fruit's mark seems fair overall and he is respected, while Kosmos Bleu, despite having been disappointing lately, is back to the mark from which he won at Newbury in March, albeit over a longer trip, while a repeat of his course and distance third in October would give Meggie's Beau place claims. Although he is a bit in-and-out, you couldn't entirely rule out Mandingo Chief, and, based on his best hurdling efforts, Predestine might fare better than over fences of late on this less testing going. Finally, Miss Mailmit is only a pound above her winning Chepstow mark, Pardini races today from his heavy-ground course and distance winning mark of October 2004, and Lost In Normandy comes here in good heart and looks capable of going well despite a rising rating. Overall, though, we will stick with Isellido.
Alphabetical (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway and chased leader after 8th, jumped well 11th, soon led, quickened clear 3 out, stumbled last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan beating Walcot Lad (10-2) by 17l, 7 ran.
Tom Fruit 5-1 (10-10) Held up brought down 5 out in race won by Sharp Belline (10-2) at Wetherby 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Nov, 9 ran.
Kosmos Bleu (FR) 9-1 (11-6) Led 3rd until hit 9th, weakened after next, blundered 4 out, 8th of 16, 42l behind Rubberdubber (11-8) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Jan.
Isellido (IRE) 7-2co-fav (11-8) Led after 2nd, made rest, stayed on strongly from 2 out, won at Kelso 2m 6f mrs nov chs (4) gs in Jan beating Cool Dessa Blues (10-13) by 13l, 8 ran.
Meggie's Beau (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Made most, mistake 13th, headed 15th, weakened approaching 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Presenting Express (11-6) at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Jan, 10 ran.
Miss Mailmit 15-2 (10-9) Towards rear when blundered and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Precious Bane (10-10) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Lost In Normandy (IRE) 15-2 (10-2) Held up, driven along 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, led 3 out, clear last, eased towards finish, headed close home, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Sound Of Cheers (11-9) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan.
Mandingo Chief (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Prominent, challenging when left in lead 3 out, blundered next, jumped left and headed last, kept on under pressure, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Trenance (11-7) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.
