The going is likely to be too testing for Motaraabet so this looks a good opportunity for Irish import BILLY’S ANGEL to record a first victory in the UK with Amy Murphy putting up a 10lb claimer to reduce his welter burden. Sabbathical hasn’t really taken to fences so far and Away For Slates may be feeling his age while Gentleman's Dream continues to disappoint.
Billy's Angel (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Led early, lost lead 2nd, led again 5th, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 6th of 11, 18l behind Fil D'ariane (11-12) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Away For Slates (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Mid-division, headway 12th, ridden 3 out, 4th and no extra 2 out, 4th of 11, 22 3/4l behind Skipping On (12-0) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Sabbathical (FR) 2-1fav (11-12) Went right 1st, made most until 3 out, lost 2nd before next, soon weakened, lost modest 3rd at the last, 4th of 7, 14 3/4l behind Zee Man (11-2) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Motaraabet 7-2 (11-4) Chased leaders on outside, 2nd going well over 2 out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened and lost places final 110 yards, 5th of 8, 6 1/2l behind Rose Of Aghaboe (10-11) at Lingfield 2m (5) pol in Jan.
Gentleman's Dream (IRE) 5-2fav (11-10) Midfield, headway to chase leaders 7th, ridden and weakened 3 out, well beaten when pulled up before 2 out, at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
