Lightening Rod was conceding a pound to Signalman taking Jake Greenall's claim into consideration at Hexham and will only be that amount worse off here. He won convincingly and should confirm the form but this has been run three times and Nicky Richards has won it twice so REALT MOR looks the one to be on. A full-brother to the high-class Realt Dubh, he won a point-to-point by 10 lengths before falling when cruising in a maiden hurdle. He made no mistake on his latest start at Kelso in April and has always looked a potentially useful chaser.
Lightening Rod 7-2 (11-0) In rear but in touch, tracked leaders 4 out, went 2nd before last, led run-in, kept on strongly, won at Hexham 2m Novice Handicap Chase (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft beating Signalman (10-13) by 4l, 5 ran.
Alfred Oats 10-1 (12-0) A bhnd; to & pu 2 out, in a race won by Through The Mist (11-7) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Apr, 15 ran.
Realt Mor (IRE) 8-11fav (10-13) Tracked leader, keen early, led after 3 out, clear next, driven out, comfortable, won at Kelso 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Apr beating Rupert Lamb (11-0) by 14l, 14 ran.
Signalman 7-2 (10-13) Led, headed before 2nd, tracked leader, led again before 6th, ridden and headed run-in, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Lightening Rod (11-0) at Hexham 2m Novice Handicap Chase (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft.
