Those to the head of the weights have question marks against their chance, whereas FORWARD PLAN has proved a consistent conveyance this season and delivered a perfectly satisfactory fencing debut at Fontwell last time. He seems sure to derive considerable benefit from that run and this major step-up in trip should also prove helpful. He should go well off a mark of 111. Born At Midnight is 5lb higher than his long handicap mark but still makes some appeal if forgiven a poor effort when last seen, although he would not want conditions to soften further. Airtothethrone probably needs to find a little improvement but should be in the mix and Ballymagroarty Boy will have a strong shout if able to translate some decent hurdling form in December on this return to chasing.
Party Fuzz 10-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, pushed along turning in, ridden before 4 out where pecked, weakened soon after, 6th of 10, 27l behind In Rem (11-11) at Exeter 3m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Goudhurst Star (IRE) 11-1 (11-13) Chased leaders, hit 9th, weakened soon after, 9th of 12, dist behind Bill Baxter (11-11) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Diomede Des Mottes (FR) 20-1 (11-7) Mid-division, fell 4th, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Ballymagroarty Boy (IRE) 7-1 (11-13) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3 out, mistake 2 out, held when mistake last lost 2nd and no extra run-in, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Sacre Coeur (11-13) at Haydock 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Forward Plan (IRE) 9-4jfav (12-1) Towards rear, went 3rd after 9th, chased leader omitted 4 out, not fluent 3 out, ridden before last, ran on, no impression, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Hipop Des Ongrais (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Dec.
Airtothethrone (IRE) 9-2 (11-11) Pressed leader, led 4th, headed after 7th, led 10th, headed before 2 out, 4th and no extra last, 5th of 8, 22l behind William Cody (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Born At Midnight 11-2 (10-8) Held up in mid-division, headway before 4 out, soon pushed along, weakened and pulled up approaching last, at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
