Not too many stars on show in this novices' chase, however we will side with Star Angler who won well last time out, with Island Of Memories and Spike Jones making up the shortlist. The selection rallied gamely to get up last time out, and whilst this trip may be slightly on the short side, he still looks to have solid claims in a weak contest. The stable are in good form with their small band of runners, so if the money comes for this local trainer then it may be wise to take note. Spike Jones showed a return to form last time out at Chepstow and looks to be getting the hang of these bigger obstacles. A reproduction of that last run would see him in the mixer, whilst Island Of Memories was well beaten when falling back in December. Previous to that he had been in good form November so there is no reason that he can't go well if back on song. At a bigger price Laharna could go well if building on his chasing debut when a fair third at Folkestone, whilst Lyon has form here at Hereford so cannot be discounted. Ultimately this looks a decent opportunity for Star Angler to go in again.
Something Gold (FR) 16-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, weakened after 3 out, 13th of 15, well behind Franco (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Dec.
Billy Bray 7-2jt-fav (11-9) Tracked leader to 6th, drive along next, soon lost place, 7th of 9, 17l behind Jupon Vert (11-9) at Folkestone 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Jan.
Lyon 8-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, lost place 4th, headway approaching 8th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Loulou Nivernais (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan.
Star Angler (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Raced wide, held up, not fluent 10th, headway 4 out, chased clear leader approaching 3 out, stayed on from 2 out to lead final 75 yards, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) hvy in Jan beating Little Villain (9-9) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Spike Jones (NZ) 10-1 (10-6) Keen and mistake in rear, stayed on from 5 out, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 12, 8l behind Easibrook Jane (9-11) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
Pan The Man (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) With leader led 2nd, headed approaching 7th, soon weakened, 11th of 15, well behind Schuh Shine (11-7) at Warwick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Shining Joy (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden 5 out, beaten when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Alderbrook Girl (10-4) at Huntingdon 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Laharna 9-2 (11-9) Made most, hard pressed from 2 out, headed soon after last, no extra, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Lescer's Lad (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Jan.
Island of Memories (IRE) 66-1 (11-9) Held up, mistake 3rd, 4th when fell 3 out in race won by Bold Fire (10-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
It's My Party 16-1 (11-6) Prominent, ridden 12th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Iris's Prince (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs, 16 ran.
Tyup Pompey (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Led, headed approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 7th of 11, 25l behind Rehearsal (11-4) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Thyne Supreme (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) In touch, weakened 7th, soon behind, 8th of 11, well behind Rehearsal (11-4) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Reelinga 7-2 (10-9) Held up, headway 5th, led approaching 7th, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Prince Dundee (10-8) at Taunton 2m 3f cnd sll hcp hdl (5) sft in Jan.
Mountsorrel (IRE) 150-1 (9-10) In touch, ridden 5 out, weakening when pulled up 3 out in race won by Anshabil (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Dec, 17 ran.
Star Galaxy (IRE) 12-1 (10-1) Towards rear, ridden 11th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 14, 33l behind Mighty Moose (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs (5) sft in Jan.
