The shortlist contains Sir Jimmy Shand, Sortie and Victor George, with the vote going to Sir Jimmy Shand. There was plenty to like about Sir Jimmy Shand's debut win and he looked one to stay on the right side of following that Ludlow success. He has the chance to build on that performance today. The well-bred Sortie is notoriously unsound; however, he also has ability, as evidenced by his Newcastle win last time and he has to be considered. Stolen Moments has also won a bumper but could be vulnerable under a penalty. Among the newcomers, Sue Smith's Ever So Slightly, Mark Rimell's Pencil House, and the well-bred Nigel Twiston Davies runner, Victor George catch the eye. Watch the market with regard to the others but the vote stays with Sir Jimmy Shand.
Spitfire Sortie (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Held up, headway halfway, led 3f out, clear approaching final furlong, very easily, won at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Nevertika (11-4) by 8l, 11 ran.
Stolen Moments (FR) 20-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, won at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Character Building (11-0) by a nk, 13 ran.
Aldea (FR) 7-2 (10-8) Tracked leaders, weakened 4f out, 6th of 11, 30l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Classic Harry 14-1 (11-4) Led to halfway, with leader, ridden over 3f out, one pace, no impression, 3rd of 12, 11l behind Kealshore Lad (10-13) at Wetherby 2m nhf (5) sft in Feb.
Darazari Bay (IRE) Darazari gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Commanche Quest.
Ever So Slightly (IRE) Good Thyne gelding, half-brother to an Irish point-to-point winner.
Kerrs Whin 20-1 (11-1) With leader, ridden and every chance 3f out, weakened 2f out, 5th of 14, 22l behind Topwell (10-12) at Catterick 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Pencil House (IRE) Carroll House gelding, half-brother to winners over hurdles and fences.
Sir Jimmy Shand (IRE) Evensfav (11-4) Always going well, led over 1f out, quickened clear, easily, won at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Jan beating Just Smudge (10-7) by 5l, 10 ran.
Tiger Rock 40-1 (11-1) Chased leader until over 5f out, weakened 4f out, 6th of 10, 29l behind Sir Jimmy Shand (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Jan.
Victor George Entrepreneur gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Whitewater Dash 33-1 (11-4) Behind, stayed on under pressure from over 2f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 20, 12l behind Night Safe (11-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Worth A Glance 20-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden over 7f out, soon weakened, behind when hampered, unseated rider 2f out unseated rider in race won by Mam Ratagan (11-4) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Emski Gunner B mare, half-sister to three winning hurdlers.
Stormont Dawn (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, ridden 5f out, never dangerous after, 5th of 11, 32l behind Sparron Hawk (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Al Falcon Alflora colt out of a moderate racemare.
Cavers Glen 28-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, keen, led after 3f, headed 6f out, hung left, lost place from over 4f out, 9th of 13, 28l behind Alfie Flits (11-3) at Carlisle 1m 6f 4yo nhf (6) sft in Feb.
High Moor Vitus gelding out of a mare who finished tailed off in a couple of bumpers.
Sea Cadet 33-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden halfway, kept on final 3f, no impression, 5th of 14, 25l behind Alfie Flits (11-7) at Southwell 2m 4yo nhf (6) gs in Jan.
