Waltz Darling won over fences at Musselburgh before scoring over hurdles at the same course. He's only 3lb higher so will probably make a bold bid to complete the hat-trick but RUSSBOROUGH, who has already been placed twice around here, seems to running into form and makes more appeal. Billy Cuckoo is handicapped to go close on his best form and Taunton runner-up Freckle Face has travelled a long way for this. He has been racing over further lately but shouldn't be discounted. Silver Shuffle has had 31 starts under NH Rules but is still seeking a first victory.
Waltz Darling (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Towards rear, headway before 2 out, ridden run-in, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Dec beating Ballyvoque (9-12) by nk, 13 ran.
Freckle Face 6-1 (11-6) Took keen hold, tracked leading pair, went 2nd 8th until hit 10th, 2nd again next, ridden and held when mistake 3 out, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Howlongisafoot (11-8) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
Russborough (FR) 13-2 (11-6) Prominent until 1st, tracked leaders, outpaced after 4 out, rallied 3 out, soon went 2nd, closed briefly last, no impression, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Grate Fella (11-12) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Billy Cuckoo (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Jumped right at times, led, often rousted along, reminders after 7th, headed next, bumped 9th, hampered 3 out, weakened before last, 4th of 7, 21l behind King Rolfe (11-7) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Dec.
Roxyfet (FR) 10-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, jumped left 3rd, not fluent next, struggling 7th, behind next, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Big Water (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft, 4 ran.
Silver Shuffle (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up behind, headway into 3rd after 3 out, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair from next, 3rd of 8, 16l behind Aqalim (11-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
