Tom Symonds has been frustrated in getting Scholastica to the track lately and he'll be hoping the weather relents today. She shouldn't be far away if reproducing her latest third behind She Ranks Me in a Listed race at Haydock. Dreambrook Lady has her sights lowered a little after finishing fifth at Kempton and is another to consider but the handicapper is just starting to show ALL ANNALENA a little mercy and her latest fourth at Sandown was a decent effort. She gets the nod as she went very close on heavy ground on the Flat last summer. Wilde Ruby may be a fraction high in the weights now, however, a remark that can also be applied to Kateal. Loyaute and My Viking Bay may not be good enough in this grade.
Dreambrook Lady (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, one pace before last, 5th of 12, 8l behind Bourne (11-12) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec.
Kateal 50-1 (11-0) Took keen hold and raced wide in 3rd, headway to lead approaching 2nd, clear after next until approaching 3 out, headed soon after 3 out, chased winner until before
All Annalena (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Led, blundered 5th, headed 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 10, 8l behind Kentford Grey Lady (11-12) at Sandown 2m 4f Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft in Dec.
Scholastica 3-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders approaching 3rd, effort after last, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, 8l behind She Ranks Me (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f mares Listed nov hdl (1) hvy in Dec.
Wilde Ruby (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Raced wide, held up, headway to chase leaders 5th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 6, 16l behind Queens Grove (11-13) at Fontwell 2m 4f Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-120) (3yo+) (4) hvy in Dec.
Loyaute (FR) 50-1 (11-2) Led, driven and headed before 2 out, soon beaten, 5th of 6, 22l behind Mischievous Milly (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed) (3yo+) (1) hvy in Dec.
My Viking Bay (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, led 4 out, headed before 3 out, weakened last, 4th of 9, 11l behind Uimhir A Seacht (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) hvy.