Herbie's jumping is still a cause for concern and it perhaps explains why he is still a maiden after 11 starts; preference in this modest opener is for ZAFFARELLA over Francesco and Baby Sister. Although Lucinda Russell's charge has a frustrating record and was once again a beaten favourite last time out, we are prepared to give her another chance today. Campbell Gillies takes off a handy 3lbs and hopefully the horse can land her maiden success on her 11th start. Baby Sister returns from a break today and races off a mark of 70; she is winless in 23 but has run fairly well off higher marks in the past and on soft ground she should go well. Francesco has top-weight to shoulder here but Lucy Normille's gelding is interesting on his French form. His recent efforts in novice company suggest that this opening mark of 90 looks a tad high. Destiny Hill returns to hurdles today after an inauspicious chasing debut last time, whilst Pay On does at least have one win to his name and looks to be on a fairly attractive mark. Pimbo Lane and Silver Destiny are both of more interest than their recent form figure might suggest, but it is Zaffarella who can finally get her head in-front.
Francesco (FR) 50-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 12, 48l behind Knockara Beau (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd.
Pimbo Lane (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, well behind Well Disguised (10-2) at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
Indy Mood 40-1 (11-7) Prominent, weakened after 4 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Delightfully (11-11) at Newcastle 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan, 18 ran.
Herbie (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Towards rear when fell at the 12th in race won by Nelliedonethat (10-11) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Silver Destiny 50-1 (10-6) Held up towards rear, lost place halfway, some headway from 2 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 27l behind Lawgiver (11-1) at Catterick 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Dec.
Whispering Moor 80-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Nelliedonethat (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Zaffarella (IRE) 11-4fav (10-5) Ran in snatches on outside, headway 3 out, effort next, one pace approaching last, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Pinewood Legend (10-9) at Ayr 2m nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Pay On (IRE) 6-1 (9-11) Held up mid-division, weakened from 2 out, 5th of 14, 28l behind Kempski (11-5) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan.
Pendle Forest (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Raced wide, always towards rear, 15th of 20, well behind Elite Land (11-0) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.
Destiny Hill 12-1 (10-5) Mid-division, lost place 10th and reminders, ridden from 4 out and no impression, 5th of 12, 29l behind Nelliedonethat (10-11) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs in Jan.
Janal (IRE) 100-1 (10-6) Led to 2nd, chased leaders until lost place 7th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Delightfully (11-11) at Newcastle 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan, 18 ran.
Baby Sister 7-1 (9-13) Track leaders, led 3rd, headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 11, 18l behind Sir Quigley (11-5) at Hexham 2m amt nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
