If the inclement weather stays away, we have a decent start in prospect with a number of top stables fielding runners in the Novice Hurdle. Martin Pipe looks to have too exciting prospects in the race. Akarus has just joined him from France and could be anything. Useful over hurdles and chase fences, he did have the Francois Doumen trained Innox behind him at Auteuil in October. Old Vic won his maiden here in fine style. His jumping wasn't foot perfect but he certainly showed enough to suggest that he'll make his mark at this level. With the ground likely to be bottomless, we will take our chances with Silver Birch. The ex-Irish pointer probably needs further but this extended two miles will take some getting today. Paul Nicholls' charge beat the useful Bob Ar Aghaidh at Chepstow and that runner upheld the form with a close-up third to Maybe The Business last time out. Kyper Disco could be the one to prosper if the market principals make any mistakes. Rhinestone Cowboy completely toyed with him at Newbury but he had shown a fair level of form in bumpers. Mylo makes little appeal despite the positive jockey booking. Any money for Polligana at bigger odds would be worth noting.
