Landofsmiles was still well beaten despite placing in a point-to-point last time but the remaining duo are hard to separate. Both Gwalia and AL DANCER went close on their respective debuts and were also both placed without threatening the winner on their latest outings. But the former was beaten by Good Boy Bobby, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, so the handler should have a good line on the form and his charge gets a tentative vote.
Al Dancer (FR) 13-8fav (10-12) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden 3f out, headway approaching final furlong, left 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Luckofthedraw (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m (5) hvy in Nov.
Gwalia (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, went 2nd 2f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Good Boy Bobby (11-7) at Chepstow 2m (5) hvy in Jan.
Landofsmiles (IRE) 5-1 (12-2) Ld frm 2nd, b mstk 4th, jnd 9th & ld again 6out, hdd bef 3out, 3rd aftr 2out, wknd bef last, ko flat, 3rd of 12, 14l behind Clondaw Ace (12-2) at Aghabullogue 3m mdn hvy in Jan.
