LORD GUNNERSLAKE is narrowly preferred here to Isntshelovely and White Moss. The oldest horse in the line-up, the selection comes here on the back of a decent fourth to The Thirsty Bricky at Towcester. That was his best effort for some while and if as effective over hurdles he should run well off his light weight. White Moss is at the other end of the handicap but he has shaped with potential in three starts. This is his handicap bow and any market support would have to be taken seriously. Springtree has been off for two months since pulling up behind Noun De La Thinte, Ruby Valentine is starting to look well-handicapped, while Romney Marsh won well at Plumpton yesterday and would be intriguing if quickly turned out again. Isntshelovely didn't take to fences last time out but is more interesting reverting to hurdling. However, Lord Gunnerslake hasn't been with his new yard for long and can take the top prize.
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.
Bridge of Fermoy (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, weakened after 3 out, 9th of 13, 39l behind Salden Licht (11-10) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Another Miracle 200-1 (11-0) Pulled hard in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, soon behind, 7th of 8, well behind Menorah (11-5) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Isintshelovely (IRE) 3-1fav (11-3) Chased leaders, hit 4th, lost place next, blundered 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Brushford (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Jan, 8 ran.
Romney Marsh 13-2 (10-13) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed next, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 12l behind Home She Goes (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m Mares Novice Handicap Hurdle (0-100) (4yo+) (4) sft in Jan.
Fleur de Vassy 40-1 (10-11) Close up and keen, weakened 4 out, 11th of 14, 39l behind Taffy Thomas (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Ruby Valentine (FR) 20-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, ridden before 3 out, weakened before next, 9th of 13, 22l behind Ballabrook (10-9) at Ludlow 2m 5f am nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Springtree (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Behind, ridden and struggling 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th, in a race won by Noun De La Thinte (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp 0-90 (5) sft in Dec, 9 ran.
Lord Gunnerslake (IRE) 9-2 (9-11) Held up, headway 6th, not fluent 8th, led after 3 out, jumped right 2 out, jumped right and headed last, one pace, 4th of 8, 2 1/4l behind The Thirsty Bricky (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) sft.
