A chance is taken on Bob Bites Back getting a welcome winner in the bag for Evan Williams in the build up to the Cheltenham Festival. Woodlands Genpower appears to be the main obstacle in the way, while Four Opinions and Lavenoak Lad can keep each other company on the way around. Twenty previous starts have proved fruitless for the last named and, even though he is improving steadily over fences, Lavenoak Lad is hard to recommend against today's lesser exposed rivals. That said, Four Opinions lacks experience and has a bit to find after a modest effort here last December. He has won a point-to-point though, so may be one to bear in mind as his career as a chaser gains momentum. Woodlands Genpower is mainly consistent and has adapted well to fences. However, he did himself no favours with a mulish effort last time and now has something to prove. Therefore, Bob Bites Back - a winner over hurdles in January - looks a more sporting option today. The gelding was placed in Irish points before joining Williams' yard and, as the Welshman has a canny knack with a chasing type, this looks a reasonable opening for him to gain a confidence boosting result.
Four Opinions 40-1 (11-6) Mistakes, always behind, 4th of 8, 46l behind Howrwenow (11-6) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Dec.
Lavenoak Lad 16-1 (9-10) Led 2nd, went right, headed 4th, close 5th when fell in race won by Tradingup (10-9) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Feb, 12 ran.
Woodlands Genpower (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Soon ridden along, lost touch 6th, behind when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Cinnamon Line (11-2) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 12 ran.
Bob Bites Back (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, led last, all out, won at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Michabo (11-6) by a hd, 12 ran.
