Disappointingly just the five runners have been declared for this beginners' chase which looks little more than a match THAT'S RHYTHM and Stagecoach Diamond and preference is for the former with Doris's Gift rated the pick of the remainder. The selection showed progressive form over hurdles last season and has taken well to fences this term finding just one too good in each of his three starts. Martin Todhunter's gelding has not been beaten far in any of those outings and should go one better today. The Artful Fox and Apsara make no appeal on what they have shown so far and of more interest may be Doris's Gift, who has shown gradual improvement over hurdles and could improve for going over the larger obstacles. Sue Smith's Stagecoach Diamond has shown a consistent level of form over fences but has had plenty of chances to open his account and remains a maiden after 11 starts so a better bet looks to be That's Rhythm.
Doris's Gift 6-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 15, 25l behind Viper (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Dec.
Stagecoach Diamond 20-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, weakened 4 out, 5th of 11, 27l behind Malko De Beaumont (10-2) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.
That's Rhythm (FR) 5-4fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led 9th, headed approaching 5 out, ridden 4 out, stayed on one pace, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Mill Side (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
The Artful Fox 50-1 (10-11) In rear, went poor 3rd at the 6th, struggling halfway, tailed off, 3rd of 7, well behind Belon Gale (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f mdn chs (4) sft in Dec.
Apsara 100-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened from 9th, 8th of 12, well behind North Island (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs in Dec.
