A very disappointing turnout for this opening contest and BELON GALE is the selection to win it for the inform Howard Johnson yard. Master Builder is the only conceivable danger although with only the four runners, it is hoped they go a good gallop here. A half-brother to Idle Talk and the winner of a weak Irish maiden point-to-point, he was possibly in need of the outing first time out before being dropped in trip for his second outing. 2m 4f on good ground would have been on the sharp side for him and this staying trip and soft ground should be much more to his liking. With fitness now on his side, he is the one to beat although he does not look anything above average. Master Builder finished up last season with a rating of 116 over hurdles. His defeat of the capable Harry Wood was particularly impressive and he has the size to make a chaser. Towcester bumper winner Pre Token has shown little on his two starts this season. De Danu is one from six between the flags in Ireland and faces a stiff task here. Belon Gale is given the vote to win it.
Belon Gale (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 11th, ridden 3 out, stayed on after last, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Mill Side (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
De Danu (IRE) (12-0) 4th of 11, 36l behind Pocketsandperry (12-0) at Rockfield 3m ire ptp sft.
Master Builder (FR) 16-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, close 6th 3 out, no extra before next, 11th of 25, 28l behind Here Comes Sally (11-0) at Punchestown 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl gd in Apr.
Pre Token 33-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, blundered 11th, struggling when mistake and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Cast Iron Casey (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft, 11 ran.
