The penalised trio of Storm Brig, Bold Sir Brian and Yes Tom are respected however HOBSONS BAY shaped with promise on his Musselburgh debut and is taken to see off Pamoja and Thurnham. The selection has some work to do to turn the tables on Pamoja, however he was well-fancied for that run at Musselburgh and looked very green. He should be more professional this afternoon and with the yard starting to hit a bit of form over the last week he is fancied to score. Pamoja ran well in second behind Miss Abey, especially as he was hampered when trying to chase the leader. This more testing track should work in his favour and he should run well. Thurnham looks the most interesting of the newcomers, unless the market speaks strongly about Uncle Joe or Beyond The Mist. Keith Reveley has had some success in bumpers this year and this son of Tobougg is out of a bumper winner as well. Uncle Joe is from a shrewd Irish yard and he is related to the classy Bakbenscher. Santiago Boy finished behind Bold Sir Brian last time out and given the way the latter stayed on towards the line he should get this longer trip, whilst Storm Brig stormed home at Kelso a year ago and cannot be written off either. Yes Tom has been given a two month break since winning at Down Royal and as Irish bumper form tends to be much stronger than in the UK he is considered a major player. An interesting finale, but a chance is taken on Hobsons Bay improving.
Storm Brig 16-1 (10-11) Towards rear, smooth headway to lead 2f out, soon ridden and ran on well, won at Kelso 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Mar beating Lilla Sophia (9-13) by 8l, 14 ran.
Yes Tom (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway to lead 5f out, ridden and kept on well from 1f out, won at Down Royal 2m N H flat sft in Dec beating Courtly Conduct (11-6) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Drumgray Terimon gelding out of Scandalous Affair.
Hobsons Bay (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Led, swerved badly left and tried to run out after 3f, soon driven back into lead, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 12l behind Miss Abbey (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) gd in Jan.
Monsoon Music (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Always behind, 15th of 16, well behind Bishops Heir (10-7) at Newcastle 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Jan '09.
Uncle Joe Beat All gelding out of Windy City.
Bold Sir Brian (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 3f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at Ayr 1m 6f 3yo nhf (5) sft in Dec beating Darna (10-9) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Bob Bucks (IRE) 40-1 (10-1) Held up, chased leaders before halfway, weakened over 3f out, 9th of 11, 33l behind Safran De Cotte (10-1) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft.
Canny Load Courteous gelding out of Riverain.
Its Bobkat (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Held up, towards rear and keen, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 34l behind Amuse Me (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) gd.
Pamoja 9-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Miss Abbey (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) gd in Jan.
Portofino 13-2 (10-2) Mid-division, effort over 5f out, driven and outpaced over 3f out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 49l behind Carpincho (11-1) at Catterick 2m mdn NH flat (6) sft in Jan.
Roslin Moss Loup Sauvage gelding out of Etourdie.
Santiago Boy 18-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, weakened 3f out, 9th of 14, 21l behind Bold Sir Brian (10-12) at Ayr 1m 6f 3yo nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Thurnham Tobougg gelding out of Nobratinetta.
Beyond The Mist And Beyond filly out of Rosie Mist.
