CORRIN WOOD posted a better effort when third at Carlisle last time after disappointing at Kelso. Donald McCain's charge can land this if running up to a similar level and has a bit in hand at the weights with Victor Hewgo. The latter won a handicap at Doncaster in November but recent winners Little Glenshee and Our Joey are less exposed and could both improve past him today. The former makes most appeal of that pair but bumper winner Rocking Blues has shown nothing over hurdles so far.
Victor Hewgo 5-1 (11-11) Held up mid-division, headway from 3 out, bumped 2 out, soon led, pressed last and under pressure run-in, held on well towards finish, won at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Nov beating Zakatal (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Corrin Wood (IRE) 7-2 (10-6) Tracked leader, hampered 8th, led 3 out, ridden and headed last, no extra flat, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Shutthefrontdoor (11-0) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) sft.
Our Joey (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, closed 4th, led 6th, clear last, stayed on, won at Kelso 2m 6f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) hvy in Jan beating Tikkandemickey (11-2) by 13l, 7 ran.
Little Glenshee (IRE) 1-2fav (11-9) Made all, soon clear, mistake 4 out, ridden before 2 out, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m 4f mares NH nov hdl (4) hvy beating Mary Milan (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Rocking Blues (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, weakened before last, 10th of 11, well behind Morning Royalty (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
