FLINTY BAY finished runner-up in a decent handicap at Market Rasen last month, but his earlier third to subsequent Grade 1 winner Backspin in novice company at Bangor looks the best form on offer. Nicky Richards' hurdler can take this with a similar effort. Senor Alco was not far behind the progressive Jurisdiction when third on his hurdling debut at Kelso and has to come into the reckoning, while five-time chase winner Merigo can race off a much lower mark back over timber, but may find today's trip on the short side. Aintree winner, Eighteen Carat, has a penalty to carry here and Northern Flame and Still Calm look up against it.
Eighteen Carat (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Tracked leader, blundered 7th, effort stands' side 3 out, soon ridden, challenged next, led narrowly last, stayed on towards finish, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Nov beating Sunarri (11-4) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Flinty Bay (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, challenged approaching 2 out, driven and 1 lenght down flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Quite The Man (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jan.
Merigo (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Mid-division on outside when fell 11th, in a race won by Hello Bud (10-5) at Aintree 3m 2f lstd hcp chs (1) gs in Nov, 17 ran.
Northern Flame (IRE) 125-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, reminders after 5th, ridden after 4 out, no impression, 7th of 16, 30l behind Darna (11-5) at Ayr 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan.
Senor Alco (FR) 10-3 (10-12) Tracked leaders, driven 3 out, chased winner last, kept on and every chance flat, no extra when lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 16, 1/2l behind Jurisdiction (11-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Still Calm 80-1 (10-11) In rear, mistakes, weakened 4 out, 5th of 7, 38l behind Edgeover (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in Jun.
