REIVERS LAD completed a hat-trick over hurdles back in early 2017 then returned after a very long break to make a successful chasing debut in a Newcastle handicap just over two years ago. He's only just turned ten so should have plenty more left in the tank. Vengeur De Guye is generally consistent over hurdles and fences though hasn't been in the best of form but Ard Chros has a course and distance victory to his credit and found 2m7f too far at Newcastle after scoring over 2m4f at Carlisle. Ardera Cross has managed to win ten races, the latest from a 20lb higher mark at Musselburgh in February which would make him a handicap snip here though he's been well beaten in recent starts, while Sword Of Fire is 6lb out of the handicap.
Reivers Lad 11-2 (10-13) In touch chasing group, headway 4 out, 4 lengths down in 3rd before last, ridden and ran on well to lead towards finish, won at Newcastle 2m (3) gs in Dec beating Cool Mix (10-13) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Vengeur De Guye (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders on the inner, every chance when travelling easy and disputed the lead 2 out, pushed along approaching the last, soon ridden and weakened run-in, 5th of 9, 16 1/4l behind Saint Arvans (11-7) at Kelso 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Ard Chros (IRE) 13-2 (11-8) Disputed lead, led 3rd, not fluent and jumped right 13th, pressed by rival 15th, ridden before 4 out, headed next, weakened 2 out, 4th of 6, 23l behind Scoop The Pot (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Ardera Cross (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Towards rear, niggled along and closer home turn, soon ridden and weakened 4 out, no more after 3 out, 6th of 8, 27 1/4l behind Definite Wisdom (11-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Sword Of Fate (IRE) 18-1 (11-8) Led until before 5th, chased leader until after 4 out, chased leaders, plugged on into 3rd between last 2, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 13, 17 3/4l behind Vino's Choice (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (5) gd in Nov.
