This will be another slog, especially for novices, but TEAFORTHREE makes plenty of appeal. Out of his depth behind Grands Crus in the Feltham last time on better ground, he had looked a stayer of potential previously when easily accounting for Restless Harry and Cannington Brook here and should comfortably confirm placings with the third that day who reopposes on worse terms. However, the top weight still rates the threat after improving from that effort to land a competitive Haydock handicap and wasn't disgraced when fifth in the Welsh National either. The remainder have all shown promise over fences with Viking Blond preferred of the trio.
Cannington Brook (IRE) 15-2 (10-2) Towards rear, headway 15th, ridden approaching 5 out, one pace, no impression, 5th of 20, 31l behind Le Beau Bai (10-1) at Chepstow 3m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec.
Teaforthree (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) With leader and clear to 10th, mistake 8th, lost place 13th, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Grands Crus (11-7) at Kempton 3m nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec, 6 ran.
Viking Blond (FR) 6-1fav (10-9) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 4th, ridden and lost place 12th, behind 17th, pulled up after, in a race won by Le Beau Bai (10-1) at Chepstow 3m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec, 20 ran.
Ben's Folly (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on inside,hit 5th and 12th, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, pushed left and hit rail flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Gotoyourplay (11-2) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Dec.
Maringo Bay (IRE) 2-1 (11-0) Led until 2nd, tracked winner, mistake 5 out, soon switched right, jumped left thereafter, challenged 2 out, stayed on, no impression final 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Alfie Spinner (11-0) at Chepstow 3m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec.
