Ask Ben was a 50/1 chance when making a winning debut under Rules in a Class 2 event at Newcastle. That was a terrific performance and the going will be in his favour again so another big run is anticipated. Muratello had decent form in France for Guillaume Macaire and recent bumper winner Keep Rolling looks every inch a jumper. NOT NORMAL also had decent bumper form and, after being hampered at Chepstow, went close on his second start over hurdles at Bangor – this looks a good opportunity to get off the mark.
Ask Ben (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) In touch, went 2nd halfway, led 3 out, mistake next, soon headed, rallied last, ran on to lead again closing stages, just held on, won at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Dec beating Beakstown (11-3) by hd, 6 ran.
Muratello (FR) (10-7) 2nd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Tap Tap Boom (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 1f sft in Sep.
Ashton Court (IRE) 100-1 (11-9) Mid-division, weakened from 4 out, never a factor, 18th of 21, dist behind Battleoverdoyen (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn Yielding in Dec.
Druide Premier (FR) 14-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 7th of 13, dist behind Southfield Stone (11-4) at Taunton 2m (4) gd in Dec.
Keep Rolling (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, challenged 8f out, led 7f out, headed over 3f out, led over 2f out, edged left inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Warwick 2m (5) gs in Dec beating Edwardstone (11-0) by 2l, 14 ran.
Not Normal (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Keen tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Shantaluze (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
Sam Chisolm (IRE) 250-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden 2 out, never nearer, 6th of 18, 26 1/4l behind The Some Dance Kid (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
Blue Ballerina (IRE) 200-1 (10-5) Held up, ridden 4 out, never on terms, 10th of 18, 35 1/2l behind The Some Dance Kid (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
