Has maintained a consistent level of form over both fences and hurdles for several seasons, enjoying two of his eight career wins here. Trip and forecast going suit him and no reason to believe that he can't eclipse the 3lb rise for his most recent Sedgefield success.
Just 2lb higher today than when scoring over this trip at Perth in September (good). Has won on soft and heavy ground and with stable doing well on its raids here there should be not too much concern that this runner's last couple of starts have not been fantastic performances. Headgear left off this time.
Has won on heavy, but has tended to reserve his best efforts for a sound surface. Balance of recent form suggests that this will be a bit too tough today.
Both wins have been over C&D on heavy ground, including here last time from an 8lb lower mark. Brian Hughes was on board that day, but takes him on this time, though no reason why he can't go very well again.
Bit disappointing that he has failed to complete on his last two starts, but if he can pick up on the potential of his performances last season when he won three from four, all with cut in the ground and at around this trip, then he still looks very fairly treated here.
Forecasts
Master Ruffit (2/1), Special Catch (3/1), Mountain King (7/2), Un Noble (4/1), No No Mac (7/1)
Un Noble is very much a possible fly in the ointment here, having shown little this season so far, but still possessing potential. Master Ruffit can also go very well again, while Special Catch is likely to be a major player. Preference, however, is for MOUNTAIN KING, who has not been at his best of late but may represent a bit of value as a result.
1. Mountain King
2. Special Catch
3. Un Noble