COLONIAL JIM is the selection in the opener although Wizard Of Edge and Just Playfull are interesting alternatives. Neil Mulholland's charge has few issues in relation to the going and if he can run up to the level that saw him finish second behind Ayemdee; he has to have solid claims under rising star, Peter Toole. Wizard Of Edge still retains plenty of enthusiasm at his advanced years. The drop in trip is something of a surprise. Just Playfull has a feather weight and the services of Nick Schofield. Both make some appeal. Tytheknot was entitled to have needed his first run for almost two years so should improve. The Hardy Boy has been noted as a Plumpton specialist in the past whilst Omne Antique did not disgrace himself on New Years Eve though has not achieved the same level of form as he had previously demonstrated over hurdles. Matt Cawley is able to claim 8lbs off the back of Sir Punjabi. He is making a handicap debut for Lucy Wadham this afternoon. Rince Donn was not far away at Ffos Las and is likely to be popular again. Colonial Jim is the pick in a race that will not take much in the way of winning.
Rince Donn (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, steady headway to chase leaders from 10th, led 3 out, narrowly headed between last 2, rallied to regain lead last, driven over 1 length clear, idled and caught post, 2nd of 10, shd behind Cesium (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Dec.
Wizard of Edge 20-1 (9-13) Chased leader to 3rd, dropped rear after 6th, pushed along 12th, rallied next, went poor 3rd after 15th, 3rd of 7, 22l behind Western Whisky (10-7) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
Tytheknot 20-1 (11-5) Behind, struggling 5th, never dangerous, 9th of 13, 32l behind Star Galaxy (9-9) at Hereford 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Nov.
Colonial Jim (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Tracked leading pair, chased leader 4th until 6th, ridden 4 out, held when blundered 2 out, 6th of 8, 12l behind Carrickmines (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f cond hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Omme Antique (FR) 8-1 (10-10) Prominent, raced keenly, hit 7th, weakened 2 out, mistake last, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Afistfullofpebbles (11-12) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
The Hardy Boy 12-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, ridden 11th, soon weakened, pulled up 5 out, in a race won by Gunship (9-13) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Dec, 7 ran.
Ackhurst (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, hit 3 out, weakened, 7th of 15, 26l behind Extra Bold (10-11) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in May '08.
Great Tsar (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) In touch, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 4th of 7, 25l behind Gunship (9-13) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Dec.
Sir Punjabi 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, took keen hold, jumped left and not fluent 3rd, weakened after 5th, hit 2 out, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Sereth (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Just Playfull 17-2 (10-8) Chased leaders, effort 3 out, soon one pace, 4th of 13, 17l behind Ere Alfie (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp 0-90 (5) sft in Dec.
