In an interesting novice event, Boulders Beach each gets the call ahead of Tous Chez and Arumun. Boulders Beach has shown promise in each of his hurdling starts, not least when third behind Regal Heights and Two Miles West last time. He should appreciate the extra half-mile today and rates a solid option. The Sue Smith-trained Tous Chez has shown more than enough to get a good mention today over this two-and-a-half mile trip, which he is trying for the first time. The Alan King-trained Marshalls Run cost 50,000 euros and has shown enough in bumpers to be rated as an interesting runner over hurdles. Major Catch has been running well all year and his form warrants a favourable mention in the context of this race, while, in receipt of six pounds from him, Arumun has to be considered based on what he has so far achieved, and he acts on soft. On breeding, Lord Collingwood catches the eye from among the others, but the vote stays with Boulders Beach.
Major Catch (IRE) 7-4fav (11-3) Held up, headway to go 2nd 4 out, led 3 out, ridden and hit last, headed and not quicken towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Triple Mint (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
Arumun (IRE) 4-5fav (11-4) Led to 3rd, chased winner until ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Paro (10-11) at Ludlow 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Feb.
Bobby Icata 66-1 (10-9) Always behind, 14th of 16, well behind Dancing Partner (10-6) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn nhf (H) sft in Feb '05.
Boulders Beach (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 18, 7l behind Regal Heights (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Glen Omen (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up, headway over 7f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 17l behind Pangbourne (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Jan.
Lord Collingwood (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 11l behind Kealshore Lad (10-13) at Wetherby 2m nhf (5) sft in Feb.
Marshalls Run (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Took keen hold, prominent, led over 3f out, ridden and headed final furlong, not quicken, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Cockspur (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Tous Chez (IRE) 7-4 (11-5) Tracked winner, not fluent throughout, ridden after 3 out, kept on from next, 3rd of 15, 5l behind Etched In Stone (11-5) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
