Chord has only been put up a pound for his C&D win in October but that was on fast ground and against weaker opposition. Rimini carries a 7lb penalty for a recent win at Chepstow but that is negated by the claim of his promising amateur rider and he should be thereabouts, as should High Oscar who isn't badly treated on the pick of his form. Flying Squad has been knocking on the door but we fancy we'll get more of a run for our money out of THE HARDY BOY. A real Plumpton specialist, Anna Newton-Smith's 10-year-old won this race in 2008 off a 4lb higher mark and should be cherry-ripe now after a couple of recent runs.
Rimini (FR) 10-3fav (11-10) In touch, left 3rd at 2nd, challenged 4 out, led soon after, about 2 lengths ahead and travelling well when left clear last, won at Chepstow 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Nov beating Owner Occupier (11-12) by 8l, 9 ran.
Katalak (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased winner approaching 11th, no impression from 3 out, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 10, 37l behind Grenoli (9-7) at Southwell 3m 2f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Not So Sure Dick (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Chased leading trio, bumped 9th, driven after 4 out, soon no chance, 4th of 8, 31l behind Bai Zhu (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Oct.
Guydus (IRE) 10-1 (11-8) Prominent, hit 6th, ridden and weakened after 8th, tailed off, 14th of 16, well behind Liz's Dream (10-9) at Perth 3m 4yo Am hcp 0-100 (4) gd in Apr.
Karasakal (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, pushed along before 11th, weakened after 12th, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Flemish Invader (11-9) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Maximix 15-2 (11-4) Held up in 6th, headway 7th, pushed along to chase leading pair next until 3 out, went modest 3rd again flat, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Near The Water (11-12) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Nov.
High Oscar 15-2 (9-11) Mid-division in 5th, tracked leaders approaching 5th, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Mister Stickler (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Nov.
She's Humble (IRE) 18-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, pushed along approaching 9th, never dangerous, 6th of 9, 24l behind Mister Stickler (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Nov.
Royial (FR) 6-1 (11-1) Raced in rear, slow 7th, never a factor, 5th of 6, 9l behind Glengarra (11-11) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Nov.
Flying Squad (UAE) 9-4fav (11-7) Held up, good headway to chase winner on inside 5 out, hit 2 out, kept on towards finish, always held, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Manmoon (11-11) at Chepstow 2m 3f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) sft in Nov.
The Hardy Boy 3-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, led 8th, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened, blundered last, 3rd of 4, well behind Kappelhoff (10-6) at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) hvy in Nov.
Chord 22-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division in 5th, headway approaching 10th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Oct beating Normandy Landings (10-12) by nk, 8 ran.
Killfinnan Castle (IRE) 9-2 (10-10) Chased leading trio, reminders after 3rd, chasing leading pair and reminders 9th, mistake 11th, weakened 4 out, 4th of 7, 42l behind Qualypso D'allier (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp 0-90 (5) gs in Oct.
