A tricky finale for punters can fall to Orsus, with Ballyrainey the chief danger. Harry Dunlop's charge ran well when runner-up just twelve days ago at Folkestone and this ex-French performer looks sure to give his running over what looks to be his best trip. He handled a variety of conditions in France so should go well for his experienced jockey Mick Fitzgerald. Lonesome Man would be interesting if producing an error-free round of jumping but that appears unlikely, whilst Thieves Glen put in an improved performance last time out over course and distance so has claims if putting it all in. Balley Rainey was outclassed in a Grade Two contest last month but had looked progressive previously so certainly has claims back at a more suitable level today. Give Me Love is tumbling down the handicap but still looks high enough, and Native City makes his chasing debut today but was poor over hurdles so cannot be fancied. If the money did come for him then it may be worth heeding, however we will stick with the proven Orsus to land the spoils in this finale.
Give Me Love (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up, mistake 5th, headway next, weakened 10th, soon well behind, 5th of 8, 30l behind Lucifer Bleu (10-7) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
Lonesome Man (IRE) 14-1 (10-4) Led, headed approaching 8th, ridden when unseated rider at the 9th in race won by Butler's Cabin (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Oct, 6 ran.
Orsus (FR) 17-2 (10-11) Held up in touch, headway to chase leading pair after 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, closed on winner between last 2, strong challenge flat, just held, 2nd of 9, hd behind Jupon Vert (11-9) at Folkestone 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Jan.
Thieves'glen 7-1 (11-6) Led to 6th, chased winner after, pushed along 3 out, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Milton Des Bieffes (11-4) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan.
Native City (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 5th, 8th of 15, 35l behind Wyldello (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Bollitree Bob 11-1 (10-3) Held up, ridden 4 out, stayed on, 5th of 9, 8l behind Ericas Charm (11-11) at Ludlow 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Nov.
Ballyrainey (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Close up, ridden 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 31l behind Another Promise (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
