DEVITO is the pick of these rogues with White Moss and Stoneriggs Merc others to catch the eye. Supporters of Devito will need to have forgotten a very poor effort at Fontwell last time out but as this race is a handicap, he will not be faced with meeting better rivals off unfavourable terms so it could be argued that this is his easiest option for some time. Jim Best has a fair sized battalion in an attempt to liberate the prize. The mare, White Moss, who was a quirky sort on the flat, did run well at Wetherby for a long way on a previous hurdling outing and would be of serious interest if the market spoke in her favour. The trainer is also set to be represented by Pearly Star, Geography and Chiff Chaff. Stoneriggs Merc represents Timmy Vaughan and while better known as a chaser, he is able to take his chance off a lower mark over hurdles. Snow Patrol is incredibly well handicapped versus his form with Phillip Hobbs though has ran accordingly for some time. Jades Double has won on soft in the past and if this race turns into a thorough slog, she might be in an ideal position to prosper. Pipers Legend was well beaten in a non-seller last time out though had shown much better form when previously tried at this level. Devito is the call in a race that will not live too long in the memory.
Devito (FR) 12-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, lost place 4th, soon behind, last of 8, well behind Isle de Maurice (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f sell hdl (3) sft in Dec.
White Moss (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Held up, close order 5th, soon one pace, 4th of 12, 21l behind Charmaine Wood (11-7) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (3yo+) (4) sft in Nov '08.
Pipers Legend 9-1 (10-7) With leader, hit 8th, led next, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 4th of 11, well behind Petroglyph (11-2) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Nov.
Jades Double 14-1 (11-3) Prominent until 4th, behind 6th, pulled up before 8th, in a race won by Prince Zafonic (11-12) at Exeter 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Apr, 8 ran.
Stoneriggs Merc (IRE) 3-1fav (11-9) Tracked leader, lost place approaching 2 out, ridden and stayed on under pressure to chase winner approaching last, no extra and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 14, 6l behind Freedom Flying (11-1) at Hexham 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Nov.
Geography (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Always behind, under pressure 5th, tailed off 3 out, 9th of 10, well behind Last Flight (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May.
Snow Patrol 33-1 (11-8) In touch, lost place 6th, headway approaching 3 out, no impression, went poor 4th approaching 2 out, 4th of 14, 26l behind Sovereign Spirit (11-3) at Leicester 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Dec.
Poppy Gregg 40-1 (10-8) Chased leader to approaching 7th, soon weakened, losing touch when mistake next, tailed off and pulled up approaching 2 out, in a race won by Raise You Five (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Nov, 12 ran.
Tanktastic 17-2 (9-9) Tracked leaders, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 18, 25l behind Captain Smoothy (10-3) at Exeter 2m 5f 4yo Am hcp 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
Monsieur Georges (FR) 20-1 (9-13) Led until after 2nd, remained prominent, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 18l behind Thirtythreeblack (10-5) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Jul.
