Schiehallion Munro has already proved better over fences than hurdles. He is not favoured by today's race conditions but can make his chasing experience tell round Newcastle. I think we can beat the favourite.
Wot A Shot is well into the veteran stage but he won this race off 1lb lower in 2019. I wouldn't be surprised if coming back here rekindles his interest. Each-way chance.
Elios D'Or made his debut on the Newastle Tapeta recently and I thought he'd nearly win. Unfortunately the surface pulled him around and he lost a couple of shoes. Hopefully he'll go a lot better on grass today.
Petite Ganache didn't run too badly when a seven-length runner-up to Chanceanotherfive here recently. The winner has gone on to collect a chase in facile style but is 15lb worse with us today. Good chance on the revised weights.
Better Getalong ran a nice race at Haydock over the wrong trip and ground. They are fine for him today and I'm hopeful he will put in a good performance.
In his last two races Matewan has been a marginal runner-up to a couple of improvers. I believe a repeat performance in this decent contest could be good enough for him to get his head in front today.
Maroun is a very nice horse and we've been waiting for the better ground for him. It's probably still softer than ideal but as long as he doesn't get stuck in it, he's ready to go now and will take all the beating.
Things haven't been happening for Like The Sound this season - he fell at the first at Aintree - and he needs to get back on track. He stays very well and if he avoids accidents he could well get in the frame.
This former Irish point-to-point winner has been steadily coming together at home and we are now pleased with his work. He is a backward type but we still hope for a bold showing and expect him to be bang there.
Saint Calvados has been freshened up for this and lines up back in handicap company. He is only 3lb higher than when he won here in October. It will be a tough race with Kalashnikov in the mix, but it also means we will not be carrying top weight. We have been very happy with…
Paint The Dream did well at Sandown and will gain further much-needed experience today. Realistically he cannot win this unless the principals make serious errors.
Imperial Alcazar is a lovely horse with excellent form in his first two hurdles race. This trip could be a bit on the sharp side and the race is very strong but he will be staying on up the hill and can go close.
Shanroe In Milan is not the most consistent, but this is the right race for him as he is dropping in grade. He likes the better ground and should be very competitive.
Audacity has been very green on both starts so far this season but the penny is starting to drop. This is a stiff task today but if he travels more strongly through his race I see no reason why he cannot be placed.
Lies About Milan showed stamina to win his sole point-to-point in Ireland. He hasn't looked a star on the gallops but clearly stays well and has a good chance of getting in the frame.