Bookmakers wary of lively outsider Songe

Ladbrokes have cut the six-year-old to 33-1 from 50-1 after Longsdon revealed Songe had undergone a soft palate operation to help him finish his races. "Songe would be the worst each-way result of the race," said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams. "We laid the 50-1 to a few shrewd punters and will be praying he doesn't make it into the frame."

Longsdon hopes the operation has done the trick after Songe disappointed in his three starts so far this season. "He's all geared for Newbury. He's been treated for a soft palate," said the Chipping Norton handler. "I'd been concerned he wasn't quite finishing his races like he used to and he wanted to see what we could do. We had the vet have a look at him and we fired a soft palate. He's in great form and I'm hoping that will help him."

Spirit River heads the market at 11-2 with the sponsors and jockey Barry Geraghty believes his mount has the right credentials for the valuable handicap. Nicky Henderson's runner has been a strong fancy following his win at Cheltenham in December. "He could be well handicapped. He won well at Cheltenham and gave me a nice feel so I'm looking forward to the race," Geraghty said.

The sponsors also report strong support for Numide, who has been cut to 20-1 from 33s.