Verdict
Sergeant Mattie makes his debut under Rules having won a point-to-point in December. He should figure in this company but SOMCHINE improved to finish fifth at Lingfield last month and Seamus Mullins' charge gets the vote with further progress on the cards. Jammy looks another likely to finish closer after a debut third at Exeter and stablemate Major Milborne is a newcomer to keep an eye on as he's a half-brother to a couple of winners over hurdles.
Formwatch
Alfie Alexander (IRE) Indian Danehill gelding out of Bella Galiana.
Business Mover (IRE) 28-1 (11-4) Led and disputed until 8f out, dropped to 4th over 5f out, soon lost touch, rallied to distant 3rd as eventual 3rd stopped to a walk and virtually pulled up inside final furlong, lost 3rd post, last of 4, well behind The Liquidator (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f NH flat (6) hvy.
Major Milborne Exit To Nowhere gelding out of Motown Melody.
Rose Of Marron (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, struggling final 10f, 13th of 16, 46l behind Werenearlyoutofit (10-13) at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.
Sergeant Mattie (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Tr ldrs, cl up 4out, disp 3out, went on 2out, row, won at Lisronagh 3m ire ptp hvy in Dec beating Moonshine Lad (11-7) by 4l, 15 ran.
Somchine 16-1 (11-1) In rear, headway on outer over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 9l behind Oscars Den (11-4) at Lingfield 2m n h flat (6) std in Jan.
Unowhatimeanharry Sir Harry Lewis gelding out of Red Nose Lady.
Freddie Mael Duin Fair Mix gelding out of Fad Amach.
Jammy (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, under pressure over 6f out, weakened over 2f out, 3rd of 7, 21l behind Comte D'anjou (10-12) at Exeter 1m 5f n h flat 3yo (6) hvy in Dec.
