AWARD WINNER is on top form and has handled testing conditions in the past so gets our confidence in a decent handicap hurdle with Freddie's Star looking a danger after his win last time while any return to his old form for Gaspara would have him going in. Brendan Powell has maintained some good form with his string this winter and the selection has been part of that success. A winner of his last two starts at Novice level over fences he races back over timber off the same mark he carried to his latest win. Freddie's Star has a seven pound penalty to carry for his last time out score. That seems on the lenient side but he's got it to prove on this ground. Gaspara was once a top-class hurdler and although he's lost his way it is interesting this top yard stick with him. Darn Hot is another last time out winner in the field and again with that coming over the bigger obstacles he has every chance off the same mark switched back to hurdles. Top-weight Mojaales has an in-form jock in the plate but looks to be in the grip of the assessor so in a decent little race Award Winner is taken to land the hat-trick.
Majaales (USA) 11-1 (9-4) Close up on outside, effort after 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 6th and no impression when hit last, 7th of 16, 10l behind Beshabar (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Ashley Brook (IRE) 6-1 (11-1) Led until blundered 6th, soon weakened, tailed off, 5th of 8, well behind Bertie May (10-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Freddy's Star (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Held up in 4th, not fluent and reminder 4th, led approaching 3 out, ridden out, won at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs beating Smoothly Does It (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Stripe Me Blue 15-2 (9-10) Tracked leader, led 5th to after next, in touch, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 15, 19l behind Mith Hill (10-5) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs.
Award Winner 5-2fav (10-13) Held up in touch, headway to track leaders when mistake 4 out, ridden to lead last, stayed on well flat, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs beating King Fontaine (11-1) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Orion Express 66-1 (11-5) Always behind, tailed off 3 out, 13th of 16, well behind The Disengager (10-6) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Gaspara (FR) 15-2 (11-9) Chased leader until weakened approaching 5th, soon struggling in rear, tailed off when eased before 2 out, 11th of 12, well behind Ciceron (11-2) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd.
Darn Hot 9-4fav (10-4) Held up, headway 7th, went 2nd after 9th, led 13th, not fluent 2 out, driven out, won at Stratford 2m 7f Mares Handicap Chase (0-125) (5yo+) (3) gd beating Daraz Rose (10-8) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Josear 9-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, hard driven 4 out, soon outpaced, headway before 2 out, kept on well, never able to challenge, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Royal Kicks (10-3) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
