A tight opener in which all can be afforded some sort of chance. Borak is preferred of the Llewellyn pair as he'll find this far easier than when tailed off last time in the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. Previously impressive at Ffos Las, he is reopposed by stablemate Nabhan who finished an eight-length second that day but is now favourably treated on revised terms. Nevertheless, placings may still be confirmed as the former looks to have greater scope. Baraymi, who finished a close second at Wetherby yesterday, and Pariyan, are open to improvement but this may fall to a newcomer. French import Live Miracle receives a healthy sex allowance but hasn't been seen since last summer and is unproven on testing ground whereas THREE COLOURS RED brings decent Irish handicap form to the table, handles the soft and will have been well schooled for this debut by Warren Greatrex.
Borak (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden and weakened after 4th, 6th of 8, dist behind Adrien Du Pont (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (1) hvy in Jan.
Baraymi (FR) 7-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, jumped slowly 2nd, dropped to rear 4th, struggling and no chance after, tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Clan Des Obeaux (10-12) at Newbury 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Nabhan 50-1 (11-0) Not always fluent in rear, behind form 3rd, 7th of 8, dist behind Adrien Du Pont (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (1) hvy in Jan.
Pariyan (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 1st or 3 out, soon no chance with winner, pressed for 2nd from last, last of 3, 15 1/4l behind Officer Sydney (11-5) at Perth 2m (4) gf in Sep.
Three Colours Red (IRE) 9-2 (10-5) Led and disputed, led after 3f, ridden and strongly pressed under 3f out, headed 2f out, no extra in 4th 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 17, 8l behind Noble Inn (10-12) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp gd in Sep.
Live Miracle (USA) (8-12) won at Lyon-Parilly 1m 3f mdn stks gd in Jun beating Ashira (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
