Verdict
Shays River hasn't been seen since finishing third in a Gowran bumper for Elizabeth Doyle two years ago but, such is the dearth of serious opposition in this, the eight-year-old has to go on the short-list. However, we just prefer COUNT GUIDO DEIRO, unraced since finishing third in an Irish point-to-point a year ago but likely to be fully wound-up. Sergeant Dick, a winning pointer, was fourth at Chepstow last month and easily looks the best of those with previous hurdling experience. He's unlikely to be far away.
Formwatch
Aldiva 100-1 (11-2) Always behind, 7th of 12, 47l behind Wilton Milan (11-6) at Southwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Count Guido Deiro (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Pr, 2nd 1/2way, ld app str, hdd 2out, no extra and dropped to 3rd run-in, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Rock Me John (12-0) at Monksgrange 3m ire ptp gs in Mar '12.
Flame Of The Glen 20-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway 7f out, weakened 3f out, 5th of 8, 40l behind Heronshaw (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Nov.
Handford Henry (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, tailed off before 5 out, 9th of 12, 50l behind Wilton Milan (11-6) at Southwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Rogue Dancer (FR) 100-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, always towards rear, tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Shernando (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd.
Sergeant Dick (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Led 1st, headed before 4th, tracked winner, lost place approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, weakened last, 4th of 15, 19l behind Annacotty (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Shays River (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Always prominent, no impression under pressure in 3rd and kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 16, 10l behind Starling Force (11-9) at Gowran Park 2m N H flat sft in Mar '11.
