As ever, market clues are best but in the absence of that vital information, Gunner Jack is offered up in favour of Gold Thread and Sam¿s Lad. Gunner Jack is a son of the versatile sire Gunner B. His breeding suggests that he will stay much further than this two miles as his dam was a half-sister to Borders National Winner, Slideofhill. Tony Dobbin rides. Gold Thread is an Oscar Gelding. He cost 30,000 euros at the sales and would be of interest if the market speaks in his favour. Sams Lad was second in a very slow Down Royal bumper. That said, the front three were a long way clear of the remainder so there is at least some hope for the future. Teviot Brig is a cheaply bought half-brother to 3m chaser, Reivers Moon. Young Blade is a brother to useful chaser, Tonoco. Heavenly Leader was an expensive purchase by Ginger McCain standards. The hammer went down at 18000 guineas at the Doncaster Sales in May. No form to go on and Gunner Jack is offered as a tentative selection.
Colonel Hayes (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Towards rear, headway and in touch over 5f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 9th of 19, 22l behind Young Albert (11-4) at Ayr 2m nhf (H) sft in Dec.
Gold Thread (IRE) Oscar gelding out of a once-raced mare.
Gunner Jack Gunner B gelding out of winning jumper Wayuphill.
Heavenly Leader Supreme Leader gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Persian Prince (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Led, soon clear, headed 4f out, soon weakened, 6th of 15, 30l behind Spartacus Bay (10-13) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (H) sft in Oct.
Sams Lad (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Rear of mid-division, headway to 7th 6f out, improved to 3rd 3f out, ridden 2 1/2 f out, no extra, 2nd of 17, 15l behind Amstecos (11-7) at Down Royal 2m nhf gs in Dec.
Teviot Brig Weldnaas gelding, half-brother to flat and jumps winner Reivers Moon.
Young Blade Cloudings gelding, half-brother to the useful jumper Tonoco.
