Helen Wood was impressive when winning a fortnight ago at Leicester and is taken to win again, at the main expense of Never So Blue and at a price Ebony Lady. The selection won as she liked on her handicap debut and could still be well-handicapped despite a 10lb rise in the weights. Her stable is in fine form at present and she holds very solid claims in this weak contest. Gin Palace would walk this on old form, but he has been out of sorts since returning from two-years off so cannot be fancied despite tumbling down the handicap. Ebony Lady is interesting off her low weight considering she was still travelling well when departing last time out, and if the moderate ex-flat performer is on song, she could go well under Tom O' Brien. Ember Dancer has been slowly getting the hang of things over obstacles but ultimately is yet to win in ten starts, however he certainly has place claims. These contests are more often than not won by horses in form so we will stick with David Pipe's Helen Wood to lead them home.
Hoh Nelson 100-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous, 4th of 16, 25l behind Abraham Smith (10-11) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Roofing Spirit (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) Held up in mid-division, ridden and effort 4 out, weakened 2 out, 8th of 9, 28l behind Pearl King (10-8) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Never So Blue (FR) 3-1fav (11-7) Always in rear, 7th of 17, 28l behind Anshabil (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Dec.
Gin Palace (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Prominent, went 2nd after 4th, led 6th, soon headed, weakened 2 out, 4th of 11, 37l behind Lesdream (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Helen Wood 11-4fav (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway on outside approaching 3 out, went 2nd going well approaching 2 out, led last, ran on well, won at Leicester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Jan beating Hardybuck (10-12) by 6l, 14 ran.
Zando 33-1 (10-3) Held up, headway to join leaders 3rd, ridden, weakened 3 out, 6th of 10, well behind Moon Catcher (11-2) at Stratford 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in May.
Nick's Choice 33-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 9, 11l behind Cannon Fire (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Ember Dancer 25-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 4th, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 18, 11l behind Rebel Raider (11-5) at Huntingdon 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Jan.
Ban Dubh 7-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden after 4 out, weakened 3 out, 6th of 8, 37l behind Theatre Diva (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Kingdom of Dreams (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders,ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 18, 30l behind Buster Hyvonen (11-11) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Eastern Leader (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) Led to 2; pulled up in race won by Frazers Fortune (12-0) at Cold Harbour 2m 4f ptp frm in Apr, 3 ran.
Young Owen 20-1 (11-4) Reluctant to race strong reminders after 6th, lost touch after 8th, tailed off when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Uncle Max (11-7) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Aug, 10 ran.
Themanfromfraam 100-1 (11-4) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 7th of 15, 29l behind Wyldello (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Ebony Lady 20-1 (10-0) Led after 2nd until fell 4 out in race won by Kick And Prance (10-6) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Jan, 10 ran.
