This is a wide open contest, and Firth of Forth, Scaramouche and Cromwell Court look set to make their presence felt, with Firth of Forth the selection. Scaramouche does have a heavy ground hurdle success to his credit, though his recent chasing efforts have been a little moderate, his form figures possibly a little misleading as he was well beaten on both his starts this season. However, he receives weight from virtually all his rivals, and has ground he relishes. After ending last season with some dismal efforts, one time useful hurdler Firth of Forth was given a rest of seven months. After a pipe opener, he landed a four runner contest at Bangor on soft ground with some authority. The form may not amount to much, but with his confidence restored, he may be well handicapped off only a five pound higher mark. Cromwell Court is a consistent performer and his second last time is solid form. He has been raised seven pounds since the start of the season however, and has been done no favours by the handicapper, especially with this very testing ground making every pound count. Firth of Forth can show he is still well handicapped.
Back Among Friends 16-1 (10-12) Led to 6th, in 3rd and outpaced when blundered 4 out, 4th of 5, 20l behind Doctor David (11-4) at Haydock 2m nov chs (3) sft.
Cromwell Court 4-1 (11-2) Tendency to jump right, led until after 3rd, led 8th to 10th, hung left approaching 3 out, weakened before last, took 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Galant Nuit (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Sa Suffit (FR) (10-6) Held up, joined leaders 4 out, no impression on winner close home, 2nd of 11, 4l behind L'elu (10-4) at Pau 2m 1f NH flat in Dec '06.
Firth Of Forth (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway to join leader 4 out, led approaching 2 out, clear approaching last, eased towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) sft beating The Big Canadian (10-10) by 11l, 4 ran.
Phardessa 3-1 (10-2) Held up 4th, tracked leading pair 10, closed steadily approaching next, joined winner 3 out, every chance 2 out, ridden and held before last, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Sovereign King (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (3) sft.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 5-1 (10-9) Mid-division, close up 3 out, soon ridden, blundered next, gradually weakened, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Hernando's Boy (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd.
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.
Pacco (FR) 11-10fav (11-5) Held up towards rear, blundered 9th, reminders 5 out, blundered next, one pace, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Ours (10-12) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft.
Pipo De Re (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, hit 3 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 5th of 16, 3l behind Barnhill Brownie (11-12) at Ascot 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gs.
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.
Scaramouche 12-1 (11-0) Led to 4th, led approaching 7th, ridden, headed approaching 3 out, jumped left, no chance after, 2nd of 4, 15l behind Lightning Strike (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f beg chs (4) sft.
Fighting Chance (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Mistakes, held up in rear, headway to track leading pair 12th, kept on under pressure flat to press for 2nd, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Night Safe (11-11) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.
