Stamina in the Heavy Going will be an issue in this very competitive field.

 

I will start with Gordon Elliott, especially after the 66/1 runner up on Sunday which somewhat saved my bacon. Always look at an Elliott horse at each way Odds in a race like this and the shrapnel (loose change few quid) is on MIRACLE OF MEDINAH who was running well when pitching up last time. That out of the way, lets look at the rest.

 

An Marach is one I fear, ran well on Chase debut and one to keep an eye on but there is far more experience in this race especially in the mud. At the top of the market, I think Hoke Colburn will be slowed by the Going but still a danger and Getaday is a fragile type who rarely puts runs together without a significantly longer break.

 

FOX LE BEI would have an excellent chance if getting a run. Is first reserve and also declared tomorrow so if it runs bear in mind if the Odds are not prohibitive.

 

My idea of an each way banker though is SPANCIL HILL - very consistent over Hurdles, trip and Going are not an excuse and although an infrequent Chase runner has won over fences off a mark of 94 and one I think will be bang in contention here.

 

I also think that WEST IS BEST who needed seasonal debut over an inadequate trip, has a chance on a runner up race here in March over further when very prominent up to this trip before fading late on and also DOUBLE WINDSOR who is a Course and Distance winner over hurdles and another with no Going excuses and a nice Chase winner off 99 at Wexford in the past so a mark of 100 with that proven stamina suggests time might be right!

TIP - SPANCIL HILL / TRACKERS - WEST IS BEST + DOUBLE WINDSOR - (looking for net profit on the race)...(dont forget Elliott horse)

 

-------