The Venetia Williams trained Samurai Way will prove a decent yardstick for the others in this Novice Hurdle and while he as a chance here we're siding with YOU'RE SO VAIN from an in form yard with Ashley's Lad also considered. A winner over course and distance in a bumper on his sole start to date the pick is related to plenty of winners and with his sire's offspring usually handling testing condition he should do fine on his hurdles bow. Samurai Way is already rated at 111 after two runs in this sphere. He was more than useful on the flat and ran well in bottomless ground last time so we wouldn't be surprised to see him go close. Ashley's Lad shaped well on his hurdles debut last time and the booking of Tony McCoy would suggest that a bold bid is expected while Minella Mistake is more exposed than her rivals but could make experience count under a girls allowance. A tough race to open the card but the form of You're So Vain's yard just swings it in his favour.
Mallusk (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) With leader, led 2 out, clear approaching last, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Doctor Disny (10-12) by 6l, 9 ran.
Ajman (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Chased leader in close 2nd, improved to lead 2f out, headed 1 1/2f out, no extra in 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 9l behind Luttrell Lady (9-10) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp 50-70 pol in Oct (flat).
Argentis (FR) 40-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, took keen hold, over jumped 1st, headway 5th, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, blundered last, 4th of 8, 24l behind Cheshire Prince (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Ashleys Lad (IRE) 17-2 (10-12) Took keen hold, raced wide, held up, progressed 4th, ridden and outpaced before 2 out, mistake and went 2nd soon aftrer 2 out, hung left but stayed on well flat, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Sonowyouno (11-5) at Lingfield 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Beau Fighter 13-8fav (9-1) Mid-division, driven and headway well over 1f out, never on terms, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Racing Hero (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Oct (flat).
Beau Lake (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Prominent and keen, blundered 1st, led approaching and fell 4th, in a race won by Dot's Delight (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f cond nov hdl 4yo+ (4) gs in Nov, 15 ran.
Bridge of Fermoy (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) Held up, ridden 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 9, 19l behind Tri Nations (10-8) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf in May.
Goring One (IRE) Broadway Flyer gelding out of Brigette's Secret.
Qaspal (FR) 20-1 (10-9) Held up, took keen hold, never near leaders, 6th of 15, 24l behind Dr Livingstone (10-12) at Leicester 2m nh nov hdl (3) gf.
Rigadin De Beauchene (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along after 2 out, soon outpaced, 4th of 7, 11l behind Aegean Dawn (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) gs in Nov.
Samurai Way 5-1 (10-12) Tracked leading trio, went 2nd approaching 6th, challenged 2 out, well there and not fluent last, stayed on to chase winner flat, always held, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Stoney's Treasure (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Sophies Trophy (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, struggling over 4f out, stayed on from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 14l behind Start Me Up (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m NH flat (4) gf in Oct.
You're So Vain 11-4fav (11-2) With leader, led 5f out, driven over 1f out, kept on well to draw clear final 110 yards, won at Folkestone 2m 1f NH flat (6) gs in Nov beating Born Again (10-11) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Equit's Princess (IRE) Exit To Nowhere filly out of Equity's Darling.
Minella Mistake (IRE) 66-1 (10-10) Raced wide, chased leaders, hit 5th, went 2nd next, disputing lead 2 out, no extra last, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Dot's Delight (10-5) at Lingfield 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Timon's Present 11-2 (10-7) Chased leader, led 4th until 6th, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Newsday (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gf in May, 11 ran.
