Hereford regulars are in for a treat as SOMERSBY should have little difficulty in completing his preparation for Cheltenham by getting the better of Den Of Iniquity and Epidavros amongst others. The selection marked himself down as one of the best novice chasers in the country with a wonderful display of jumping at Sandown when lowering the colours of Crack Away Jack in the Henry VIII. It was a performance to behold and he should be able to dispatch this opposition with the minimum of fuss. Den Of Iniquity is a useful performer in his own right and has retained a good portion of his ability after failing to make the track in 2008. He was no match for Take The Breeze at Newbury last time and shouldn't be able to hold a candle to Somersby but can take home a share of the bacon by finishing second. Epidavros has run a couple of sound race over fences without suggesting that he's up to this class but he'll be one to keep an eye on once handicapping. Noble Crusader has already run out an impressive winner of a handicap and a clear round should see connections pick up some more prize money before returning to face more realistic opposition. Somersby is in a different county to his rivals and could finish that far ahead.
Somersby (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked clear leader, took closer order 4 out, every chance from 3 out, led just after last, edged right, ridden out and ran on well (no time taken), won at Sandown 2m nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) sft in Dec beating Crack Away Jack (11-2) by 2 3/4l, 4 ran.
Noble Crusader (USA) 12-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, hit 4th, headway approaching 4 out, led after 3 out, drew clear flat, ran on well, comfortably, won at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec beating Russian Flag (11-12) by 8l, 8 ran.
Final Bid (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Led to 2nd, chased leaders, weakened 8th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind My Moment (11-0) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Epidavros (FR) 9-1 (10-9) In touch, pushed along briefly after 7th, went 2nd 3 out, soon ridden, every chance before 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Leo's Lucky Star (11-0) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Den of Iniquity 12-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, pecked 5th, left 2nd at 8th, hit 11th, ridden when jumped right 4 out, left behind from 3 out, tailed off, 2nd of 7, 32l behind Take The Breeze (11-10) at Newbury 2m 2f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
