26th December

 205 Wetherby-A fascinating race but what strikes me is the lack of proven stamina amongst the market leaders.

The one exception is Snow Leopardess,who looks a real progressive staying chaser.This horse has only had 3 goes over fences and has improved with each start and with the last 7 winners of this race being aged 7 or 8 then this horse fits the bill perfectly.

Spiritofthegames is consistent but hasnt raced past 2m4f and hasnt won for over 2 years.

Camelo is probably the main danger if it sees out the extra yardage while The Dutchan will stay but probably wants it bottomless.

Back Snow Leopardess 9pts at 5.5 at Bet365-2nd(-9pts)Ran really well and just got done.

134 Wincanton-Nearly Perfect is still lightly raced over fences and looks the one to beat here.

Its posted 2 ratings since going chasing that suggest its still well ahead of its mark and with it winning its only race over course and distance and the trainer having a 22% strike rate here then it appears to have everything going for it.

Sizing Cusimano seems to flatter to deceive more often than not and is 0w-0p-6r in this grade.

I respect Smugglers Blues but it is up in class,so Normandy Soldier looks the danger ,after posting a fair rating on its chase debut and the extra yardage should suit.

Back Nearly Perfect 18pts at 3.25 at Skybet/Betvictor-Won(+40.50pts)Superb round of jumping won the day.

115 Kempton-Although its slightly more exposed than many here,I cannot let Hold The Note go unbacked.This is a drop in class and trip for it.Its best rating was achieved last March in a grade 1 handicap at the Cheltenham Festival,over this trip and off a 5Ibs higher rating.

If it can lay up with them around the easier track then it could outstay the rest for a trainer whos had a winner and 2 seconds in his last 4 runners in this race.

Alnadam is improving and is 2w-1p-4r on right handed tracks and should go well but there cannot be many tracks where Dan Skelton operates at a 3% strike rate.

Mr One More is unexposed but is up in trip and the second run back after a long layoff can often see a decline.

Getareason is gradually immproving and should be on the premises.

Back Hold The Note 5pts at 8.0 at Various Bookies-UP(-5pts)Went too fast and tailed off(DT+26.5pts)

Monthly Total+73.50pts

Running Total+235.75pts