Inconsistent sort who was runner-up in this last year and now 6lb higher in the weights. Comes here following a similar path but last run found him lacking a response when headed. Cheekpieces will be fitted here.
Would have finished behind Finaghy Ayr last time before taking a fall when tiring three out. Hurdling form shows this stamina sapping trip in these conditions are needed nowadays. Has a lazy style of racing and is yet to convince as a chaser.
Has returned from a 15 month layoff to produce two career best efforts. No doubting he is suited to a test of stamina. A Flat pedigree does raise concerns as to whether he will get this far. Last run on bad ground at Ayr saw him narrowly beaten in a race where Jonny Eager and Sevenballs Of Fire failed to get home.
Has won twice over these fences but appears difficult to win with nowadays. Not much to choose between him and Jonny Eager on running at Ayr in January. Shapes as though this trip will suit. In form yard took this last year.
Point-to-point winner who looked unlucky when touched off at Doncaster in November. That form has not worked out and he has been well beaten in both starts since.
Forecasts
Finaghy Ayr (15/8), Settledoutofcourt (9/2), Sevenballs Of Fire (5/1), Woodford County (11/2), Lakefield Rebel (6/1), Jonny Eager (8/1)
A chance is taken on FINAGHY AYR having the stamina to land this. His latest effort at Ayr over 3m3f on bad ground saw him produce a more encouraging run than the two topweights in this. Jonny Eager could be a different proposition with cheekpieces fitted as he bids to go one better than last year. Settledoutofcourt goes well here and could add to his tally of finishes in the frame.