Verdict

Sun Festival, successful four times on the level, isn’t highly tried on hurdling debut and stamina shouldn’t be an issue around this sharp track. Western Soldier was beaten under a length when a short-priced favourite on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield and will attract market support again but we’ll give another chance to Bangor third WISE GUY, who will strip fitter today. Jack The Savage and Ferrybridge lack the scope of their rivals.

Formwatch

Ferrybridge (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Raced keenly chasing leaders, went 2nd after 1st, every chance when bad mistake 3 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened between last two, 9th of 15, 19 1/4l behind Cawthorne Cracker (10-2) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (5) gf in Oct.

Jack The Savage 25-1 (11-11) Unruly and headstrong to post, soon in touch, weakened before mistake 3 out where saddle slipped, unseated rider 2 out, at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Aug.

Sun Festival 11-4jfav (9-13) Held up in mid-division, headway out wide 2f out, ridden chasing leaders over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd inside final 100 yards, not reach winner, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Angel Of Peace (9-5) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Sep.

Western Soldier (GER) 5-4fav (11-4) Front mid-division, hit 4 out, went 3rd 2 out, pushed along and pressed leader last, disputed lead over 110 yards out on run-in, headed and no extra closing stages, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind It's A Love Thing (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (4) gd in Oct.

Wise Guy (FR) 13-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders went 2nd 4 out until home turn, left 2nd and slightly hampered 2 out, ridden and no chance with winner between last two, weakened into 3rd at the last, 3rd of 8, 16 1/4l behind Wordsworth (11-4) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Oct.