A poor contest may go to Zeloso, ahead of Majestic Moonbeam, Its A Cracker and Gilded Ally to name but three. It is hard to be confident about either the Pipe or O'Neill runners here, so a chance is taken that Zeloso can step up on his second to Silverio over the course-and-distance 10 days ago. That was a non-seller in which he proved that he does at least stay the trip, and on this better ground he can add to his two wins gained at this level in December. Majestic Moonbeam has been out of form over fences lately, but took on much better company over the smaller obstacles in 2004, and it would be no surprise if he were to be involved in the finish. He is not one to rely on at present though, and nor is Its A Cracker who is another future chaser. At the Double won this last year and will no doubt be primed to go close again, while Gilded Ally was beaten a long way at Leicester but may improve for the switch to Michael Wigham. Overall though, Zeloso can boast the most consistent form at present and is the pick.
Majestic Moonbeam (IRE) 15-2 (10-8) Held up in touch, mistake 4 out, ridden to chase winner 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, 37l behind Magico (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (3) gd in Feb.
Cullian 25-1 (11-6) Held up, pushed along after 4th, no impression from 3 out, 6th of 11, 11l behind Proprioception (10-8) at Southwell 2m mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in Jan.
At The Double 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders in 4th place, weakened 3 out, 7th of 13, well behind Yes My Lord (11-10) at Folkestone 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Feb.
Zeloso 10-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway 8th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, soon hard pressed, no extra when headed flat, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Silverio (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb.
Barranco (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Mid-division, pushed along after 6th, weakened before 3 out, 8th of 13, well behind Yes My Lord (11-10) at Folkestone 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Feb.
Gilded Ally 7-1 (10-9) Held up and keen, headway 3rd, weakened after 5th, 4th of 6, well behind Blackthorn (10-5) at Leicester 2m sll hdl (G) hvy in Dec.
It's Official (IRE) 66-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Perfect Balance (11-6) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Jan, 16 ran.
Lord Leonardo (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden and struggling 7th, mistake next, tailed off, 7th of 15, well behind Saltango (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
John The Greek (IRE) 10-3 (10-9) Behind until progress 8th, left moderate 3rd 14th, one-paced afterwards, 3rd of 8, well behind Blazing Hills (10-9) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f nov chs (E) gd in Sept '01.
Lavenoak Lad 20-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway approaching 7th, ridden after next, weakened 3 out, 4th of 13, 15l behind Jug Of Punch (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 5f sll hdl (5) gd in Feb.
Its A Cracker (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Mistake 1st, always behind, tailed off and pulled up at the 8th in race won by Parkinson (9-10) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Feb, 16 ran.
