Verdict

GROUSE LODGE, winner three times over hurdles this season and already successful between the flags, is likely to be a warm order for his first run over the larger obstacles under Rules. He should win but there are one or two promising types in this. Badgers Cove had a decent record over timber and will have needed his reappearance after a lay-off while Buddy Bolero is unexposed and won over hurdles at Folkestone a year ago, though hasn't been seen since. Moscow Mule has a bit of experience but also returns following a break, as does winning pointer Hilda Wild.

Formwatch

Badgers Cove (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Led narrowly, headed 6th, in touch, hit 8th, soon ridden, weakened from 3 out, 7th of 13, 24l behind Fred The Shred (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.

Breeogue Boy (IRE) 9-2 (10-6) Took keen hold, led after 1st, hit 3rd, joined 3 out, soon ridden, headed before next, soon weakened, struggling in 4th when blundered 2 out, dropped to 5th last, tailed off, 5th of 6, well behind Rowan Road (10-0) at Kelso 3m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft.

Buddy Bolero (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, mistake 3 out, not fluent 2 out, led approaching last, soon clear, stayed on well, won at Folkestone 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec '11 beating Monturgeon (11-0) by 15l, 15 ran.

Grouse Lodge (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Made all, jumped left 2nd, ridden after 3 out, stayed on gamely, won at Uttoxeter 3m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Big Society (10-5) by 3/4l, 6 ran.

Midnight Dove 33-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, reminders after 5th, lost place from next, tailed off 7th, 7th of 9, well behind On The Bridge (11-12) at Hereford 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.

Moscow Mule 22-1 (10-9) Led, jumped slowly 1st, heade before 2nd, soon in rear, struggling from 6 out, tailed off, last of 4, 42l behind Shoegazer (11-0) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chase (5) hvy in May.

Hilda Wild 6-4 (11-7) 3rd of 4, 41l behind Wizard of Edge (12-0) at Kingston St Mary 3m ptp gs in Apr.