Heir To Be, Bumper and The Hairy Lemon are the three to note in the betting market with the vote going to the last named. The selection was last seen in winning action back in Janurary of last year so he is not the easiest to win with. Having said that his form lately shows signs of coming back to his best. He was second to Smoothley Does it at Wetherby and then fourth of nine at Wincanton last time out. This looks an easier task so is one to note in the market. Bumper has not performed well this season but having said that the yard are in fantastic form at present and with the champion jockey booked to ride he has to be noted. He had the ability to win in a national hunt flat race a couple of years ago so if regaining his old flame he could be a danger. Heir To Be wears cheek peices for the first time and if sparking a little life into him he could pose as the other danger to the selection. He won a decent handicap at Uttoxeter last March but has since been somewhat disappointing in his performances. If back to his best he would have a chance but with top weight to carry this will be tough. So for the winner we return to The Hairy Lemon.
Heir To Be 4-1 (11-8) Prominent, led briefly 5th, led 8th, headed aproaching 2 out, soon no chance, 4th of 7, 9l behind Isle de Maurice (10-1) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Bumper (FR) 11-2 (11-8) Held up, in rear when blundered and unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Maletton (11-12) at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Jan, 9 ran.
The Hairy Lemon 9-2 (10-10) In touch, ridden after 3 out, one pace, 4th of 9, 11l behind Amour Multiple (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Cold Mountain (IRE) 13-2 (10-7) Prominent, ridden clear approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 5l behind Warningcamp (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs.
Misbehaviour 14-1 (11-6) Held up, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, 8th of 10, 31l behind Gustavo (10-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Speed Winner (AUS) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway after 4th, close 3rd when blundered 7th, soon ridden, weakened next, 6th of 14, well behind Nudge And Nurdle (11-9) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs.
Sonnengold (GER) 28-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, 7th of 11, 22l behind Nikola (11-7) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
