Disappointingly just the four runners line up for the hunter chase which looks little more than a match between HONOURABLE SPIDER and Bowdens Lane with preference for the former. The selection ran well on his last start in a hunter chase when second to Lou Du Moulin Mas at Folkestone a year ago but he has run similarly well in point-to-points since then including just 10 days ago and, on ground that suits, he looks the one to be on. Bowdens Lane disappointed in a better race at Cheltenham on his latest start in this grade but bounced back to form when successful in a point two weeks ago so he looks the main danger. Fox John makes marginally more appeal than Cape Verde Sal on the evidence on recent point-to-point form but it is hard to get away from Honourable Spider, who gets the vote.
Cape Verde Sal (IRE) 25-1 (12-3) Led until 7th, lost place from next, ridden after 9th, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Ofarel D'airy (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft, 8 ran.
Honourable Spider 3-1 (12-7) Cl up; rdn & outpcd app 3 out; no ch w wnr, 2nd of 16, 20l behind Cappa Bleu (12-0) at Horseheath 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Bowdens Lane Evensfav (12-5) Trckd ldrs; led 14; drew clr 19; unchall, won at Dunthrop 4m ptp sft in Jan beating Lord Attica (12-5) by a runin, 9 ran.
Fox John 10-1 (12-0) Hdwy 12; nvr nr to chall, 4th of 20, 25l behind Gentle George (12-0) at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Jan.
