More Like It is only creeping up in small increments but was all out to win last time so we'll take EASBY MANDARIN to deny him his hat-trick with Cadoudalas and Rebel Rhythm also considered. The latter hasn't been running well enough to merit more than a cursory glance but is well handicapped if ever able to recapture his enthusiasm for the game. Cadoudalas hasn't shone in his two outings over fences but he showed a decent level of form in bumpers and over hurdles so it would be folly to rule him out; the market could prove useful. More Like It certainly stands out on recent form and he's only 4lbs higher than when winning at Newcastle but the handicapper may have collared him. Johnny's Kick isn't on a bad mark if the cheekpieces rekindle his fire but Easby Mandarin could be a horse on the up if his recent fall hasn't left a mark. He's made the frame on a couple of occasions over fences and would have done so again but for falling at the last at Market Rasen. He was held at the time but this drop back in trip is in his favour and he's gone well for Tom O'Brien in the past so everything looks in place for Easby Mandarin to make a bold bid to lose his maiden tag.
Rebel Rhythm 9-1 (10-10) Led, ridden and headed 4 out, beaten when fell 2 out in race won by Polar Gunner (9-11) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Cadoudalas (FR) 10-3fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened after next, 5th of 12, 17l behind Cavers Glen (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Innominate (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (12-1) Always towards rear, blundered 4 out, 8th of 12, well behind Chigorin (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.
Pams Oak 15-2 (10-11) Always behind, 7th of 11, well behind Gidam Gidam (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Jonny's Kick 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, well behind Orki Des Aigles (10-6) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
More Like It (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) In touch, led narrowly 2 out, soon ridden, left 3 lengths clear last, held on under pressure near finish, won at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec beating Shelomoh (10-9) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Chigorin 8-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 13, 24l behind Jeringa (10-5) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Easby Mandarin 7-2fav (11-7) Mid-division, headway to lead after 4 out, headed after next, 2 lengths down and held when fell at the last in race won by Sycho Fred (10-5) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Dawn Ride (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, blundered 7th, some headway approaching 11th, one pace, 4th of 9, 19l behind Lago (10-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
