In the opener, the vote goes to Hobbs Hill, with Alf Lauren and Liathroidisneachta possibly proving to be his biggest dangers. Alf Lauren has been troubled by injury but this bumper winner's hurdling return here after a lay-off was not too bad, while Black And Tan showed promise on his bumper debut and the market will probably tell its tale. That is also the case with Hobbs Hill, who looked interesting when scoring in a Kempton bumper in January. Liathroidisneachta's second to Senorita Rumbelita was respectable, but the form has been knocked since, and Principe Azzurro has a better reputation than his two bumper efforts so far warrant. However, in a modest event for the track, his chance cannot be dismissed, but we will side with Hobbs Hill.
Alf Lauren 33-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened last, 7th of 17, 17l behind Pirate Flagship (11-2) at Newbury 2m nh mdn hdl (D) gd in Nov.
Barclay Boy 50-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway to track leaders 7th, weakened before last, 7th of 12, 24l behind Prins Willem (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gd in Apr.
Black And Tan (IRE) 11-4fav (11-4) In touch, chased leader over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 12, 13l behind Wind Instrument (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Coltscroft 33-1 (11-2) Always behind, 12th of 17, 31l behind Pirate Flagship (11-2) at Newbury 2m nh mdn hdl (D) gd in Nov.
Highland Chief (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden and chased leaders after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 12, 23l behind Denman (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (D) gd in Nov.
Hobbs Hill 8-1 (11-4) Led after 6f, ridden over 2f out, clear final 2f, very easily, won at Kempton 2m nhf (H) gd in Jan beating Autumn Red (11-4) by 9l, 18 ran.
Lordington Lad 66-1 (11-0) Took keen hold in rear, always behind, 13th of 18, well behind Wee Robbie (11-0) at Newbury 2m 3f nh nov hdl (D) gs.
Northern Link (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Not fluent, chased leaders, hit 8th, weakened next, well behind when hit 2 out, 6th of 9, 49l behind Just A Splash (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Orange Street 50-1 (11-0) Disputed lead, mistake and lost place 5th, stumbled and unseated rider 5 out in race won by Brumous (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 6f mdn hdl (E) sft, 13 ran.
Pine Marten Karinga Bay gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Principe Azzurro (FR) 10-1 (10-13) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon beaten, 5th of 17, 19l behind Aux Le Bahnn (10-13) at Warwick 2m nhf (H) sft.
Red Granite 40-1 (10-12) Behind, mistake 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by What A Vintage (10-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (E) sft, 13 ran.
My Rosie Ribbons (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 11l behind Kaldouas (11-0) at Windsor 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (E) gs.
