Milan Deux Mille looked ahead of the handicapper last time out at Catterick and gets the nod again here, with Mambo Des Mottes and Laskari looking best of the rest. The selection goes on all types of ground and undefeated under jockey Tom Malone, he is expected to take this slight step up in class in his step. Pardishar is interesting stepping up in trip so must be respected, whilst Mr Boo could go well if the ground doesn't deteriorate. He was in fine form last Spring (racking up a quickfire hat-trick) and should go well back in this easier race after disappointing last time out. Laskari jumped a lot better last time out over course and distance and must have place claims at least as he looks to be improving. Venetia Williams has her stable in cracking form and Mambo Des Mottes is undoubtedly on a fair mark, however his jumping lets him down so he cannot be strongly fancied. Ultimately this is an interesting contest, and we will stick with Milan Deux Mille to defy a penalty and go in again.
Mr Boo (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Held up, hit 10th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 32l behind Cerium (11-8) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Hawk's Landing (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Always towards rear, 6th of 10, 50l behind Burntoakboy (11-5) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Jan.
Mambo des Mottes (FR) 7-2 (11-12) Led, ridden 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon headed, no extra from 2 out, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Black Hills (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Le Seychellois (FR) 16-1 (11-5) Mistakes, always behind, tailed off 4 out, 9th of 10, well behind Alderburn (11-6) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Dec.
Milan Deux Mille (FR) 7-2fav (11-5) Prominent, led 6th, clear after 3 out, eased flat, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd beating Cumbrian Knight (10-0) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Pardishar (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Chased leaders until jumped slowly 3rd, behind, some late progress, never troubled leaders, 4th of 6, 26l behind Bohemian Spirit (10-9) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Jan.
Laskari (FR) 15-2 (10-13) Held up towards rear, steady headway 11th, chased winner 4 out, kept on under pressure flat, always held, 2nd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Idole First (11-10) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan.
Heros Collonges (FR) 50-1 (11-7) Mid-division, weaked from 5th, tailed off when pulled up at the 16th in race won by Bang And Blame (10-6) at Catterick 3m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
