CHIEF DAN GEORGE sets the standard here and carries our support, but we think the likely dangers are will be Ragador and Master Builder. All of the trio have shown themselves adept at testing conditions, and this could be quite a slog. The one concern about the selection may be his jumping though, as he has been prone to the odd mistake. He's not won since April, and has been finding one or two too good of late. This is his latest warm up, ahead of a possible Cheltenham run. Ragador is lightly raced, and yet to get his nose in front. He's been switched to chasing after hurdling, and was well behind Chief Dan George last time out. Master Builder is a course and distance winner, so can handle the tight turns here, and the muddier it is, the more he'll enjoy it. There are negatives about a few of these, but the most likely winner we think is Chief Dan George.
Bleu Pois (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, effort 3 out, one pace from next, 5th of 13, 18l behind Whatdoidowiththat (10-9) at Catterick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
Chief Dan George (IRE) 9-4fav (10-12) In rear, chased winner 7 out, ridden approaching 4 out, weakening when hit 3 out, 2nd of 4, 38l behind Killyglen (11-4) at Ayr 3m 1f nov chs (3) hvy in Jan.
Master Builder (FR) 5-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, weakened from 4 out, 3rd of 7, well behind Morgan Be (11-7) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan.
Ragador 18-1 (10-6) Held up, weakening when hit 3 out, 6th of 11, 31l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Dec.
Simply Smashing (IRE) Pulled up in race won by Takeyourpick at Coolkip 3m ire ptp gs in Oct '07, 7 ran.
Treehouse 80-1 (11-0) Behind, blundered 8th, tailed off when pulled up at the 13th in race won by According To Pete (11-10) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) sft in Dec, 6 ran.
Uptown Lad (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, lost touch 10th, 4th of 6, well behind Kalahari King (11-8) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd.
