In a pretty decent handicap chase SOIXANTE can be forgiven his defeat as an odds-on favourite last time and we give him the opportunity to right that wrong ahead of likely short-priced favourite Vodka Brook while the consistent Song Sung Blue might be an intersting runner. Off the mark over the big stuff early in the year the selection put in a good form performance behind a decent subbsequent winner two starts ago. That was followed by his 'surprise' defeat but that came over an inadequate trip and now back up in distance he looks the one to beat. Vodka Brook has jumped well in a couple of starts over fences including in a warm looking beginners' chase last time. Based on his hurdles form he looks weighted to go well back in handicap company, Song Sung Blue was consistent over hurdles and had a decent bumper career. A lot will have to be taken on trust on his hurdles bow but looks one of the likelier types. Jump Jet is another to consider after a good start for his new yard but with doubts he'll handle the ground we turn to Soixante.
Jump Jet (IRE) 11-10fav (12-0) Led, headed 6th, remained close up, led again 12th, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 2nd of 7, 17l behind Shaka's Pearl (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Vodka Brook (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance from 3 out, led narrowly next, driven and headed and lost two places towards finish, 3rd of 5, 1/2l behind Bakbenscher (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f beg chs (4) hvy.
Soixante (IRE) 8-15fav (11-5) Raced keenly, led, jumped slowly, headed 7th, regained narrow lead next, headed 2 out, soon ridden, switched right flat, one pace, edged right, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Man From Highworth (10-5) at Towcester 2m nov stks (4) gd in Apr.
Soulard (USA) 5-1 (10-11) Disputed lead with winner until 6 out, chased winner after, ridden 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Psychomodo (11-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Nov.
Song Sung Blue (IRE) 11-10fav (10-12) Close up, tracked winner 2nd, every chance when not fluent last, hung left flat, no impression, 2nd of 11, 4l behind San Marino (10-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Minella For Food (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up and always in rear, tailed off, 5th of 10, 31l behind Peveril (11-0) at Leicester 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Nov.
