DUNE RAIDER is a speculative selection with Nawamees and Bold Policy obvious players. This is a big drop in grade for the Newland runner having previously campaigned at a respectable level. The worry has to be just how straight he is after over a year on the sidelines but if he runs anywhere near his usual form, he should be too strong for these plating class heroes. Nawamees is a thorough credit to himself at his advanced years. A beaten favourite in a handicap, this is a more realistic target. Bold Policy won a maiden hurdle for Paul Nicholls but has been disappointing for current conditions. Priest Field won a seller at Hereford for Tim Vaughan. Kingscourt Lad is difficult to predict but if he is on a going day, he is always dangerous in this grade. On Spec and Spritual Society have to bounce back from disappointing runs last time out though both would have obvious claims on some of their older formlines. Tarboush reverts to hurdling have recently finished close up in Novice chases. Woody's Dream drops to the grade for the first time. Dune Raider is the recommendation.
Bold Policy (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always in last pair, but close enough, hit 2nd, not fluent 6th, hit 9th, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 46l behind Archie Boy (11-8) at Newton Abbot 2m nov stks (3) gd in Jun.
Deedeetee (IRE) 20-1 (10-2) Mistake and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Max Speed (10-7) at Ballinrobe 2m 1f hcp chs 0-109 gf in Jun, 15 ran.
Kingscourt Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Led, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last, in a race won by Boulders Beach (10-7) at Southwell 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr, 14 ran.
Priest Field (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, behind when blundered last, 13th of 17, 26l behind Elaala (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Jun.
Cottonwood Falls (USA) 4-1 (12-0) Led 4; rn out nxt, in a race won by Royal Crystal (11-7) at Kingston Blount 2m 5f ptp in Jun, 10 ran.
Dune Raider (USA) 14-1 (11-11) Held up, mistake 5th, stayed on from 2 out, never nearer, 5th of 12, 7l behind Wenger (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf in May '08.
Feeling (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Prominent, hit 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakening when not fluent 2 out, 6th of 13, 22l behind Benetwood (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) gf in Jun.
Nawamees (IRE) 7-2fav (11-10) In rear, not fluent 6th, soon ridden, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 29l behind Bathwick Man (11-7) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Jun.
On Spec 11-2 (10-12) In rear, jumped big 4th, soon ridden along, well behind 7th, tailed off, 6th of 15, well behind Malakiya (10-12) at Hereford 3m 2f sell hdl (5) gf in Jun.
Ophistrolie (IRE) 40-1 (10-3) Held up well in rear, virtually tailed off 4th, still travelling fine, stayed on from 2 out, never any chance, 5th of 14, 33l behind Miss Phoebe (10-2) at Worcester 2m nov clm hdl (5) gf in Jun.
Spiritual Society (IRE) 13-2 (11-10) Led until 2nd, chased leaders weakened 9th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Knapp Bridge Boy (10-0) at Newton Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Stage Right 33-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, mistake 5th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 35l behind Downing Street (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Tarboush 9-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, led after 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out, headed and hit last, one pace flat, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Liberty Seeker (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov chs (4) gf in Jun '04.
Woody's Dream (IRE) 22-1 (10-11) In rear, mistake 5th, 11th of 14, well behind Master At Arms (11-5) at Stratford 2m 3f 4yo Am hcp hdl (4) gd in May.
