A 24 runner race with large selection of enhanced odds available, one of the "betting heats" of the week. In likely wet and very windy conditions I think big field experience in winter Going will be very important. COO STAR SIVOLA ticks every box including Festival form, likely to go down fighting and can't leave out. VINTAGE CLOUDS was in contention in this last year when falling, should be at absolute peak now at this age; has had wind surgery and not something Sue Smith will often do, so if just eeking out a bit more would be right in contention. BEWARE THE BEAR is another proven over Course and Distance and somewhat overlooked. Comes very late to play abundant stamina angle, if he can get cover, against the wind especially and be played late against tired horses, could charge up the hill in to a place at least.

There are numerous dangers here. Noble Endeavour is in the Tracker as blinkers are back on and if the horse is fit enough would be a real danger. Up For Review is most likely to set the pace together with Singlefarmpayment and a win for either, if the wind helps them to slip the field would be no surprise. It is hard to know whether they are running in to a head wind or tail wind up the hill and that knowledge could be crucial after the first race. Mr Whitaker has a favourites chance IF staying but the key word is IF and I've never wanted one here who has to prove anything. Give me a Copper is highly rated but a bit too short in the market for my liking and General Principle is one who could run on in to a place IF they all go off too fast. He though I suspect is being aimed at one of the big Nationals at Aintree or in Ireland in April.