The Shy Man and Lease Lend have both shown form on testing conditions but the former makes more appeal as this trip could push Lease Lend's stamina to the limit. It would be some performance to carry 12 stone to victory this afternoon though and it's worth taking a chance with Cool Operator. The winning pointer was sent off a well backed favourite for an Aintree bumper on debut but failed to deliver. On breeding, this sort of test should be more to his liking and he may be able to deliver. Lease Lend has shown a decent level of form without looking to be anything out of the ordinary and he has something to find with The Shy Man. George Moore's charge came up short in a Listed race behind Lightning Strike last time but the 2 mile trip may have been in part to blame, given that he has shown winning form over 2 miles 7. Nothing else jumps off the page and Cool Operator is taken to make the most of the weight he receives and make a winning debut over obstacles.
The Shy Man (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Held up, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 7, 31l behind Lightning Strike (11-0) at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (1) gs in Nov.
Lease Lend 6-1 (11-5) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 17, 5l behind Striking Article (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Black Tom Tyrant (IRE) Synefos gelding out of Mis Fortune.
Cool Operator 5-2fav (11-0) Soon chasing leaders, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong, 10th of 18, 22l behind Silly Wupple (11-0) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) gd in Oct.
Cumbrian Prince 80-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, jumped path over 6f out, soon ridden and weakened, 16th of 18, well behind Silly Wupple (11-0) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) gd in Oct.
Danmegella Overbury gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers.
Fine Parchment (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Chased leaders and keen, weakened 5f out, 6th of 9, 25l behind Nulato (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Dec.
King of The Mountn (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Always behind, 8th of 12, 43l behind Lindseyfield Lodge (11-4) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gf in Jun '06.
Lewis's World 80-1 (10-2) Prominent to 7th, 7th of 16, 34l behind Cryptic (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Masterjoe 100-1 (10-12) Held up behind, some headway 5 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 45l behind Cryptic (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Ruby Sunday 8-1 (11-4) In touch, outpaced over 3f out, no extra, 7th of 13, 19l behind Kingsben (11-4) at Catterick 2m nhf (5) gd in Dec.
Top Official (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) In touch, outpaced over 5f out, 8th of 14, 40l behind Nodforms Paula (10-10) at Hexham 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Apr.
