Jo Lescribaa, whom Charlie Deutsch has presumably chosen ahead of stablemate Haut Folin, will take some beating but it could pay to chance chasing newcomer MINNIEMUM. She ran well off this mark in a competitive hurdle last time and, given her smart pedigree, she should be every bit as good in this discipline.[Alistair Jones]
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Lightly raced chaser who has improved to win his last two races at about 3m (from the front), on good to soft at Uttoxeter and heavy at Chepstow; raised 8lb for last time but won nicely and the runner-up has done well since; obvious claims.
The season started well with two seconds on slow ground but he dropped away at Lingfield last time and was pulled up; it's clear that he has the ability to be competitive but Charlie Deutsch probably had the pick of the Williams pair.
A winning hurdler off just 2lb lower and this season is warming up after finishing third in a competitive race at Warwick (3m1f, good to soft); now makes chase debut but every chance of being as good in this discipline.
Saw off eight rivals at Fontwell in December (2m5f, soft) but can be hit and miss so his disappointing run at Wincanton wasn't all that of a surprise; however, wouldn't put it past him to bounce back and he stays this far.
Winning pointer who ran some good races over hurdles for Dan Skelton but failed to win any of them; minor form in three chase starts for current operation and can only be watched for now.
Made a winning start over fences at Ludlow in October (2m4f, good) and not far off that form in his last three races, at 2m, 2m5f and 3m (all on good to soft); looking handicapped about right but has an each-way chance.
Won off a career-low chase mark at Fontwell (3m2f, good; refitted cheekpieces) in November and slower ground wouldn't have been ideal the last twice; none too reliable these days at the best of times.