A tough race to call here for punters with many in with chances on their best form but the principals look to be Steppes of Gold, East Lawyer and Lord Maizey and the vote is given to East Lawyer. The selection won well, last time out when beating Black De Bessy and although he has shot up the weights for that win he has won off a much higher mark over hurdles and now that his confidence is sky high he is taken to win again under conditions that suit. Steppes of Gold rates the main danger on his latest second behind Star De Mohaison especially as he will be suited by the return to this shorter trip. Lord Maizey is another worthy of respect on his best form but he disappointed for no apparent reason last time so he can not be put forward with any confidence. 1 Noisetine should be noted in the market now that he is fitted with a first time tongue tie while Royal Hector looks to be on a handy mark on his second behind Vor Por Ustedes but consistency is not his strong point and for the winner we return to East Lawyer who again has conditions to suit.
Seebald (GER) 33-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 11th of 13, well behind Jazz d'Estruval (10-9) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl (B) sft in Dec.
Noisetine (FR) 20-1 (11-9) With leaders to 3rd, ridden and lost place 6th, struggling 8th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Wain Mountain (10-8) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp chs (2) sft in Jan, 6 ran.
Royal Hector (GER) 5-1 (11-6) Held up, weakening when blundered 8th, 5th of 11, 19l behind Almaydan (11-4) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Jan.
Lord Maizey (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Led to 4th, chased leaders, lost place 9th, soon tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Be My Better Half (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (2) hvy in Jan.
Steppes of Gold (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, chased easy winner from 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Star De Mohaison (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (3) gs in Jan.
Spring Grove (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Held up in mid-division, weakening when hit 16th, behind from 4 out, 5th of 10, well behind Almost Broke (11-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan.
East Lawyer (FR) 12-1 (10-11) Held up last, headway after 4 out, challenged 3 out, shaken up and led 2 out, ran on well from last, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Jan beating Black De Bessy (11-12) by 6l, 11 ran.
Lease Back (FR) Evensjt-fav (11-0) Prominent, headway to lead 7th, clear on bit 3 out, easily, won at N Abbot 2m 6f nh nov hdl (E) gs in May beating Boulevardofdreams (11-2) by 12l, 7 ran.
No Full (FR) 50-1 (11-1) In touch, pushed along 13th, weakening when left poor 2nd 4 out, 2nd of 5, 26l behind Halcon Genelardais (11-5) at Warwick 3m nov chs (2) sft in Jan.
