Several are penalised for earlier wins including Cloudy Glen, who has returned from a lay-off in fine form and bids for a hat-trick. The inconsistent Lamanver Pippin scored over track and trip before struggling at Chepstow while Remastered failed to cope under a penalty last time having won over 2m here in November. SECRET REPRIEVE made a winning start over hurdles at Chepstow when returning a shock 50/1 winner. But it was no fluke given how cosily he won and there looks plenty more to come form Evan Williams’ charge. Mind Your Back and Storm Arising look likely to improve though need to if they are to figure.
Cloudy Glen (IRE) 10-11fav (11-7) Led in start, well away, made all, clear on bit before 2 out, kept on strongly, heavily eased run-in, unchallenged, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Carrigmoorna Matt (11-10) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Lamanver Pippin 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders on inside, mistake and lost place 4th, weakened 4 out, 8th of 11, dist behind Dashel Drasher (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) gs in Jan.
Remastered Evensfav (11-4) Led until 2 out, weakened before last, 5th of 17, 15 1/2l behind Getaway Trump (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) hvy in Dec.
Secret Reprieve (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, steady progress 4th, challenged approaching last, ridden to lead close home, won at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Dec beating Smiths Cross (10-12) by 1 1/4l, 16 ran.
Clondaw's Answer (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 14th of 16, dist behind Present Value (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Mind Your Back (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Raced wide close up, ridden and headway 3f out, kept on one pace, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 10, 6 3/4l behind Bean In Trouble (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m (5) sft in Dec.
Storm Arising (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 4th, not quicken before 2 out, kept on flat, 5th of 16, 8 3/4l behind Lisnagar Oscar (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) gs in Jan.
Woulduadamandeveit (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Jumped left in rear, remote 3 out, some late gains, never on terms, 6th of 12, dist behind Ask The Weatherman (10-12) at Exeter 2m 7f (4) hvy in Dec.