Classic Fiddle has been found a soft opportunity and can see off Autograph and Strylea. Nicky Henderson's mare has done little wrong since switching to the larger obstacles and having already obliged at Fontwell and Exeter this term, it would take a good one to deprive her of a deserved hat-trick. Autograph is not a straight forward ride but she was a fairly tough hurdler when in the mood although this trip might be considered to be on the sharp side for her today. Strylea has taken on decent company in Ireland. She finished second, albeit beaten a long way, behind J'Y Vole at Cork in January but was held again on a subsequent visit to Fairyhouse. Stormont Dawn won here in abysmal conditions but is little better than plating class. Talesofriverbank demonstrated a little ability during her earlier hurdling bows but appeared to lose the plot. The remainder look to be completely outclassed on the formbook and make little appeal whatsoever. Classic Fiddle makes the long journey North and the hint is taken accordingly.
Classic Fiddle 13-8fav (10-11) Prominent, headway after 11th, led 4 out, stayed on gamely from 2 out, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs beating Rustarix (10-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
Stormont Dawn (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, stayed on under pressure to lead close home, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft beating Woodview (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Autograph 9-2 (11-0) Led, ridden and headed last, kept on flat, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Garryvoe (11-12) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Bleak Friday 200-1 (10-0) Led to 4th, led again approaching 8th, soon headed, weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Basoda (10-9) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Gallant Girl 40-1 (10-5) Mid-division, blundered and rider lost iron 2nd, dropped rear 8th, no danger after, 6th of 9, 45l behind Mrs O'Malley (10-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f mdn chs (5) sft.
Strylea (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders on outer, 5th halfway, improved to dispute lead after 3 out, led next, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Canadian Sunset (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f mrs beg chs hvy.
Talesofriverbank 20-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, lost placed 8th, soon ridden and weakened and behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Dickie Lewis (11-1) at Kelso 3m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
