Super Villan is highest-rated but has only been seen on the track once since finishing second to Join Together over hurdles at Chepstow in February last year. He delivered a mid-division finish at Ascot behind Water Garden on his belated reappearance in December and should improve considerably for the run. However, MILARROW is coming along nicely in similar company and his assured fitness swings us in his favour. Only beaten a length and a half here by Simply Ben last time, he previously finished behind Gores Island at Towcester and that form has been franked by the winner's subsequent success in a better race at Doncaster. Saint Luke has yet to build on some useful bumper form but looks next best along with Captain Moonman.
Captain Moonman (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden before 4 out, weakened before next, 4th of 13, 40l behind Ohio Gold (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Milarrow (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Held up, headway approaching 7th, went 2nd after 2 out, led last, edged right and headed flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Simply Ben (10-13) at Ffos Las 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.
Saint Luke (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Prominent, hit 2nd, ridden after 6th, weakened after 8th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Al Shababiya (10-12) at Ffos Las 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Sir Mattie (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) Led until 2nd, lost place approaching 6th, weakened before 8th, tailed off, 8th of 13, well behind Highland Valley (10-12) at Exeter 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov '10.
Super Villan 5-1 (11-9) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, soon ridden, weakened next, 6th of 14, 36l behind Water Garden (11-2) at Ascot 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Dec.
Emma Soda 100-1 (10-13) Led until 2nd, prominent, outpaced after 3 out, plugged on, 5th of 6, 10l behind Hawkes Point (11-6) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
