Ballyshan deserves to get his head in front following some solid displays but the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding may have to settle for a minor role with preference for Liathriodisneachta, who gets the vote ahead of Winapenny. The last mentioned would have claims on the form shown at Carlisle two starts ago but seemed not to stay 2m4f at Haydock last time and is far from certain to appreciate today's even longer trip. Nevada Red seemed to stay well enough at Sedgefield last time but needs to improve, while Simon Sherwood's Billesey is potentially of interest but is hard to recommend on all known evidence. Alan King's Born Leader has a long absence to overcome but has to be respected with the stable in good form; however, the vote goes to Liathriodisneachta. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding looked useful when running in bumpers and lost no caste in defeat behind Senorita Rumbalita on his hurdling debut at Folkestone in November. Today's longer trip should suit and Liathriodisneachta gets the nod.
Ballyshan (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Held up, headway 7th, every chance 3 out, stayed on well, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Supreme's Legacy (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f nh mdn hdl (5) sft.
Billesey (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Led, headed approaching 4 out, one pace, 4th of 15, 10l behind Be Be King (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Dec.
Born Leader (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders from 7th, close up when mistake 3 out and weakened, 9th of 20, 22l behind True Lover (10-11) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (D) gs in Mar '04.
Nevada Red 6-1 (10-7) In touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, one pace next, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Ivoire De Beaulieu (10-7) at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov hdl (E) sft in Dec.
Road King (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out, 8th of 16, 49l behind Ask The Umpire (11-12) at Towcester 2m 3f amt hcp hdl (5) sft.
Winapenny (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway when mistake 6th, weakening when mistake 3 out, 5th of 11, well behind Don't Push It (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (D) sft in Dec.
Mizinky 7-1 (10-3) Prominent, ridden and chased leader 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 31l behind Kings Castle (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 4f sll hdl (5) gs.
