STAGECOACH PEARL is the selection with Kosta Brava and Sir Tantallus Hawk likely to give him most to think about. Stagecoach Pearl put up a respectable performance on bottomless ground on debut and clearly the fact that we haven't seen him since, showed just how much it took out of him. He appears the pick of the Smith pair on jockey bookings and is accordingly nominated. Kosta Brava was well held on debut. That said, his yard are in tremendous form at present. Sedgefield winner, Sir Tantallus Hawk attempts to defy a penalty. He can be forgiven his most recent run as there appeared to be some above average recruits in opposition on that occasion. Wheyaye is still able to claim a mares allowance despite landing one of these contests in the past. The form of her third to Springfield Raki was given a boost at the weekend. Bardolet has to be noted in the market after finishing second in a similar event at Newcastle. Ferdy Murphy isn't traditionally thought of as a first time out trainer but Not Talking is a stoutly bred National Hunt sort and Graham Lee is aboard. Miss Middlefield is bred to get further and could be an obvious one for the notebook. The market will tell us plenty and in the absence of it, Stagecoach Pearl is our idea of the winner.
Sir Tantallus Hawk 9-2 (11-9) In touch, effort over 4f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Triggerman (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Bardolet (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, one pace over 3f out, 4th of 16, 26l behind Quwetwo (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Belmore Baron Double Trigger gelding out of Belmore Cloud.
Denel's Brig (IRE) 11-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden and weakened over 4f out, 10th of 12, well behind Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Easter Music 100-1 (10-7) Towards rear, pulled way through to track leaders, lost place after 4f, no danger afterwards, last of 14, 48l behind Bai Zhu (10-9) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Ginger's Lad 16-1 (10-9) In touch, ridden and outpaced 5f out, kept on under pressure final 2f, never troubled leaders, 6th of 11, 20l behind Triggerman (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Kosta Brava (FR) 3-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, chased winner over 3f out until lost 2nd over 1f out, 3rd of 16, 22l behind Quwetwo (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Nick The Dreamer 25-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, headway 6f out every chance 4f out to over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 25l behind Triggerman (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Not Talking (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding out of View of The Hills.
Parisian Knight (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) pulled up in race won by Ballingaddy (12-0) at Athenry 3m ire ptp sft in Apr, 15 ran.
Ridge Road (IRE) Ridgewood Ben gelding out of As An Sli.
Simhal 66-1 (10-12) Took keen hold in mid-division, behind final 6f, tailed off, 15th of 16, well behind Knockara Beau (11-9) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) gd in May.
Stagecoach Pearl 10-1 (10-9) Chased winner throughout, challenged over 5f out to over 3f out, soon ridden, no chance final 2f, 2nd of 10, well behind Frascati Park (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Jul.
What's Occurrin 66-1 (10-13) Raced keenly in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 6th of 9, 37l behind Sharadiyn (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Wheyaye 11-2 (10-10) Raced keenly in mid-division, headway to challenge over 6f out, left in lead over 3f out, pressed from over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gd in Jun beating Another Moment (11-0) by 3l, 10 ran.
Miss Middlefield Minster Son mare out of Santa Barbara.
