In a very open handicap chase, Running Hot gets the tentative vote ahead of Lizzie Bathwick and Faulkenauge. The selection was a gallant third last time out at Plumpton on similar ground to today's, and a repeat of that could see him go close today. He will probably try to make all again, and if setting a decent pace, he could apply pressure to his opponent's jumping. His stable are in good form at present which can only help, so he must be high on the shortlist. Also on the shortlist is Jonjo O'Neill's Faulkenauge. The ex-Irish gelding makes his chasing debut today after a mediocre run over hurdles in November, and if he jumps well then he must rate a threat. His claiming jockey has drawn the plaudits so far and he takes off a handy 7lbs to aid his cause. Lizzie Bathwick put in one of her best performances last time out when a good third at Exeter, and a reproduction of that would put her firmly in the mix. She has dropped to a fair mark and can go close. Others that warrant attention include the unexposed Kiltimoney and Jacksons Pier who should be watched closely for any market support. However, for the winner, we tentatively return to Running Hot.
Spike Jones (NZ) 50-1 (11-4) In rear, ridden and staying on from 4 out, 3rd when slipped and unseated rider at the last in race won by Ice Bucket (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (4) sft in Dec, 10 ran.
Lizzie Bathwick (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) In touch, not fluent 1st and 2nd, outpaced after 11th, stayed on again from 2 out, 3rd of 7, 15l behind Chamoss Royale (11-9) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov chs (4) sft in Dec.
Easibrook Jane 40-1 (10-3) Always behind, 9th of 14, 47l behind Better Moment (11-1) at Taunton 2m 3f cnd hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
Jacksons Pier (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Held up, led 4 out, weakened after next, 4th of 10, 40l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Definite Approach (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Led to 3rd, tracked leader, led again 12th to 4 out, disputing 5th and weakening when fell 4 out in race won by Kilbeggan Blade (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov chs (4) gs in Nov, 7 ran.
Falkenauge (GER) 13-8fav (10-7) In touch, headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, 4th and no impression when mistake last, 4th of 11, 13l behind Magnesium (11-11) at Sandown 2m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (3) sft in Dec.
Smeathe's Ridge 12-1 (10-12) In touch, effort 14th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Wee Anthony (11-1) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov, 9 ran.
Running Hot 11-2 (11-3) Led, headed 4 out, edged left on bend after 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 9, 8l behind The Hardy Boy (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec.
Kiltimoney (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, struggling from 11th, no chance from 13th, 4th of 5, well behind Il Duce (11-6) at Taunton 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec.
Just Muckin Around (IRE) 16-1 (9-11) Held up, hit 8th, weakened approaching 5 out, 10th of 12, 36l behind Obelix De Longechaux (10-8) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Ask The Umpire (IRE) 5-1fav (10-1) Not fluent, always behind, lost touch 6th, 7th of 8, 38l behind Jacarado (10-5) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
Jim Lad 8-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, driven along 4th, lost touch 8th, 6th of 9, well behind The Hardy Boy (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec.
Angello (FR) 100-1 (11-1) Prominent until weakend 12th, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Pole Star (11-6) at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (4) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
John Jorrocks (FR) 66-1 (10-0) In rear and jumped left 1st, never a danger, 10th of 17, well behind Anshabil (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Dec.
Little Word 18-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, lost place when mistake and unseated rider at the 7th in race won by Tradingup (10-3) at Towcester 3m cnd hcp chs (5) hvy in Nov, 11 ran.
Ashgan (IRE) 22-1 (9-7) Never a factor, 6th of 13, well behind Bridge Flight (11-1) at Hereford 3m 1f amt hcp chs (5) gs in Nov.
