Not an easy race to assess but LINE BALL may just have the beating of Penny Doc and the returning Here's Johnny. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding has a first start for the yard this afternoon following a spell over in Ireland. His latest effort at Sligo wasn't bad in the context of this race and if he lasts home over this longer trip then he may prove hard to beat. Here's Johnny was a very smart novice chaser back in 2007/8 but has been off due to injury since being well-beaten in the four-mile race at the Cheltenham Festival. If back to anywhere near his best then in all likelihood he would slaughter these but his absence is a worry; a market watch is essential. Honourable Spider should be fit from a recent point-to-point run, Mandingo Chief is a talented front-runner when at his best, while Andrew Nick showed plenty of ability when with Nigel Twiston-Davies and is considered accordingly. Penny Doc is the other to consider given his solid form in some big Hunter Chase races last season over in Ireland. A fascinating finale in which we are happy to side with Line Ball.
Andrew Nick (IRE) 2-1 (12-5) Chsd ldrs to 14, 4th of 10, 9l behind Star Double (12-5) at Higham 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Mandingo Chief (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Led to 14; kpt on same pce, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Theatre Diva (10-7) at Larkhill 3m ptp gd in Jan.
He's On His Way (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Hdwy 10; led app 3 out; hdd nxt; one-pcd, 4th of 13, 1 1/4l behind Master Alf (12-0) at Detling 3m ptp gd.
Here's Johnny (IRE) 16-1 (11-11) Held up, mistake 1st, mistake 7th, ridden and switched right, headway 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 12th of 20, 46l behind Old Benny (11-7) at Cheltenham 4m am nov chs (2) gs in Mar '08.
Honourable Spider 10-1 (12-4) Led to 3; one-pcd 3 out, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Reach For The Top (12-0) at Detling 3m ptp gd.
Line Ball (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Chased leader, led 5th, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Majestic Concorde (11-12) at Sligo 2m 4f chs in Oct.
Penny Doc (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Ap; chsd wnr 8; drvn & outpcd 3 out, 2nd of 7, 15l behind Reach For The Top (12-0) at Detling 3m ptp gd.
