Wally Wonder is set to go up 4lbs in future handicaps following a decent effort in defeat at Huntingdon last time but is far from certain to stay today's longer trip so preference is for Abragante, who gets the vote ahead of Abraham Smith. The last mentioned had little chance behind the high-class novice Denman last time and this is more his level so he has to be respected. Elenas River reverts to hurdles on a fair mark but has not been seen over timber for thee years so may be best watched, while Krakow Baba has given little sign of encouragement of late. Hard N Sharp got no further than the second last time and may be better than that, while Sommelier may do better now that he goes handicapping. The vote though goes to Martin Pipe's Abragante, who showed his best form over hurdles when stepped up in distance at Exeter last time and there should be more to come over today's slightly longer trip.
Metal Detector (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Always behind, 14th of 18, well behind Piran (10-6) at Ludlow 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jan.
Elenas River (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Jumped right, led after 1st, headed 5 out, weakened after 4 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Take The Stand (11-12) at Uttoxeter 4m hcp chs 0-140 (B) gf in Jun '04, 16 ran.
Abragante (IRE) 7-4fav (11-3) Prominent, led on bit 3 out, soon ridden, headed after 2 out, no extra, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Desert Tommy (11-8) at Exeter 2m 6f amt hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Feb.
Krakow Baba (FR) 18-1 (11-1) In touch, led after 9th, headed after 3 out, hit 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 18, 14l behind Piran (10-6) at Ludlow 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jan.
Hi Fi 33-1 (11-2) Prominent, mistake 4th, kept on same pace from 2 out, 4th of 14, 19l behind Marrel (11-12) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Hoh Nelson 50-1 (11-2) Towards rear, effort and hit 5th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, 20l behind Walsingham (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Darn Good 20-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 9th of 13, well behind Adventurist (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gf in Feb.
Jesper (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Not fluent, always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Multeen Gunner (10-2) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in May, 11 ran.
Abraham Smith 33-1 (11-0) Led to after 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 7, 33l behind Denman (11-13) at Bangor 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Feb.
Mixed Marriage (IRE) 66-1 (11-8) In touch until weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Amanpuri (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Feb, 11 ran.
Allaboveboard (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Close up in 2nd, led after 5 out, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 17, more than 8l behind Kilfinny Cross (10-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hacp hdl sft in Jan.
Sommelier 66-1 (11-0) Chased leader, ridden to hold place approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 36l behind Gungadu (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Feb.
Wally Wonder (IRE) 22-1 (11-2) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 16, 4l behind Colophony (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Feb.
Swazi Prince 33-1 (10-12) In touch, led 4th, headed 7th, weakened when mistake 3 out, 8th of 15, well behind Herakles (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Feb.
Pearly Star 11-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden 6th, soon behind pulled up 2 out in race won by Colophony (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Feb, 16 ran.
Hard N Sharp 4-1 (11-0) Towards rear when fell at the 2nd in race won by Magot De Grugy (11-7) at Exeter 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gs in Nov, 7 ran.
Burren Moonshine (IRE) 40-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 13, 47l behind The Luder (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Jan.
Erins Lass (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Held up, mistake 4th, ridden after 5th and struggling after, tailed off, 9th of 14, 45l behind Baron Blitzkrieg (10-1) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Feb.
