A typically weak mares event in which ROMNEY MARSH can follow up her recent success to see off Slick Mover and Am I Blue. A whack of 12lb for a win in a hands and heels race will not have put the handicapper on connections' Christmas card list but Danny Burton will be able to claim 7lb on this occasion. The ground should prove no barrier. Slick Mover has not shown a great deal on this surface in the past but Brendan Powell is no fool and would not be visiting here for run money alone. Am I Blue has put up some of her better efforts at this venue so do not discount her from your thoughts. Saddlers Mot looks hard to win with and is dropping in trip. The remainder face difficult tasks. Romney Marsh is the selection in a poor race.
Slick Mover (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, hit 4 out, weakened approaching next, last of 15, well behind Je Ne Sais Plus (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3f Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-115) (3yo+) (4) gd in Dec.
Am I Blue 40-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, pushed along and headway approaching 2 out to get in behind leaders, weakened before last, 5th of 11, 19l behind Olofi (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Romney Marsh 10-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, won at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp hdl (5) sft in Dec beating Richard The Third (11-9) by 6l, 10 ran.
Saddlers Mot 8-1 (10-9) Mid-division, mistake 4th, soon lost place, rallied approaching 3 out, went 2nd before last, stayed on, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Sovereign Spirit (11-3) at Leicester 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Dec.
Lady Florence 9-2fav (11-5) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, never on terms, 5th of 10, 13l behind Calzaghe (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Nov.
Sally Army 10-1 (9-11) Mid-division until driven and weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Mix N Match (10-5) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
Bari Bay 28-1 (9-12) Held up in chasing group, ridden, weakened 3 out, 6th of 7, well behind Rougham (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
One Step Closer (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Led 2nd until after 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 8, well behind Withington (11-0) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chase (4) gf in Jun '08.
