Powerful is an interesting French raider but the nomination goes to JIM BOBS GIRL over Bench Warrant. Tim Vaughan's mare is yet to win over hurdles but she has been in good form lately over fences for her new yard. Officially rated 116 in that sphere, she now returns to hurdles and receiving weight from most of her rivals she is fancied to put up a bold show with stamina proven. Bench Warrant was a beaten favourite last time out but Charlie Mann's gelding still held every chance when taking a heavy fall. Assuming that his confidence has not been affected, he has the potential to run well with the step up in trip expected to suit. Hello Moscow has put in two consistent if unspectacular runs since coming across from Ireland and this brother to Moscow Whisper cannot be overlooked, along with Prey Bird who won a hunter chase at Folkestone in May and may come on for a recent hurdles start earlier this month. Powerful's French form is hard to weigh up but any sustained support in the betting would make him interesting, however it is Jim Bobs Girl who we fancy in the first.
Bench Warrent (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 7th, close up and travelling well when fell 4 out in race won by Bold Policy (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
Hello Moscow (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Pressed leader, pushed along approaching 8th, lost 2nd just after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 11, 14l behind Star Lord (11-5) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Path To Glory 150-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, 8th of 11, well behind Teddy's Reflection (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Powerful (IRE) (10-3) 11th of 12, more than 22l behind Enseigne (10-3) at Enghien 2m 3f hcp chs gs in Nov.
Prey Bird (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden and weakened 8th, tailed off, 5th of 14, 37l behind Aux Le Bahnn (11-5) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs.
Commanche Dawn 100-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 12, 25l behind Divali Princess (10-12) at Lingfield 2m mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Jim Bobs Girl (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) With leader, led 13th to next, outpaced approaching 3 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 13, 12l behind Orki Des Aigles (10-6) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
