MILNE BAY is the call with Upstairs and Voldmort the most plausible dangers. David Simcock has campaigned this fellow well in the past and the form of his most recent event was given a big boost by River Kirov last week. A 7lb claimer is used in an effort to offset the accrued rise in the weights. Upstairs represents a yard that are having a fair winter campaign. The gelding won a similar event at Lingfield and his rider appears to be riding at the peak of her powers. Voldmort makes a British debut for Michael Wigham having left Eddie Lynam in Ireland. The market is watched. Inside Story landed some nice bets at Haydock in August but supporters have long since left their money behind. Flagstone's form has been patchy but Ian Williams' flat runners are always worth a second glance. Rio L'Oren is in first time tonguetie. Milne Bay can continue his forward progression.
Voldmort 5-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden into 7th 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 5th of 14, 2l behind Talkin Kate (9-0) at Limerick 7f mdn stk hvy in Oct.
Inside Story (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Awkward start, mid-division, never better, 7th of 11, 5l behind River Kirov (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Milne Bay (IRE) 10-1 (8-9) Mid-division, headway 3f out, led just over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec beating River Kirov (9-1) by 3l, 11 ran.
Upstairs 11-4fav (8-13) Held up in last place, good headway from over 1f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 7f app hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Torquemada (8-5) by 2l, 10 ran.
Rio L'Oren (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) In touch, raced keenly, weakened well over 1f out, 8th of 15, 9l behind Ben Ami (8-11) at Great Leighs 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol in Sept.
Downhill Skier (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Raced keenly, led, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 13, 14l behind Plush (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Flagstone (USA) 18-1 (8-11) Always behind, 8th of 9, 8l behind Ours (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Aggbag 11-1 (8-6) Held up, ridden along and headway 2fout, one pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Tri Chara (9-1) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
