Top weight in this on 12st but Houlihan, who was on for his win LTO @ Nby,again takes off a handy 3LB.Won that by 3/4L in the end but did look like he was going to win a bit easier to me after jumping the last,traveeled pretty well through the race.Did look a bit of a danger on his 1st run this season @Winc' when 2ND behind the odds on Rubaud in the Gde2 Elite Hdle,wasn't too clever over the last 2 flights that day. Ended last season with a good 4th (40/1) behind Inthepocket (btn 4 1/2Ls,Gde1 Nov'Hdle). Came from off the pace that day & was probably going best between the last 2 but faded at the death.Luccia was 3RD in that just under 2Ls in front but is 4LB worse in this.The 2ND Fav' today Altobelli was also in that & was well btn in 9TH.If Houlihan can get Hansard settled & in a nice rythm,can see him going close today.Wonder if he'll be played late as possible. Good H'cap Hdle this race today. Around 16s on here & 12/1 with the books,some going 4Plcs.