From an initial entry of 22, a disappointing turnout for this contest although on a positive note those with stronger form credentials are in the line-up. The 117-rated COMHLA RI COIG sets a reasonable standard having showed gradual improvement in this three runs. In each of his last two outings he has shaped like a stout stayer, connections opting to make plenty use of him and when being headed, he has shown tenacity in keeping at the job on hand. Trainer Donald McCain can do very little wrong at present with five winners from his last 11 runners and Comhla Ri Coig can maintain that excellent run. Aspiring Actor is interesting returning to the racecourse. Placed in three of his four outings when trained by Paul Nicholls, connections purchased him cheaply in April of last year, owing likely to his chequered history with injury. It is 669 days since he has seen a racecourse and the market should provide the best guide to what is expected of him on his return. Bay Cherry needs to leave his UK debut behind to get involved. Surprisingly his jumping at Market Rasen was one of an inexperienced sort and he lost touch a long way from home as a result. A dual Irish point-to-point winner for Jimmy Mangan, he hails from a good jumping family and is clearly better than what he displayed on his racecourse debut. Both his victories were achieved on similar ground conditions to what he is likely to encounter today. Going Wrong is partnered by Graham Lee for the first time today. He was reportedly very green on debut before staying on well to take fifth spot in a Haydock bumper. Two outings since when claimer ridden, have not revealed much but he is another with a strong jumping pedigree and this three mile trip will be more to his liking. Both Grande Monsieur and Uncommitted face a stiff task on the ratings and handicap company is where they are likely to find races. Comhla Ri Coig should prove up to landing the opener.
Aspiring Actor (IRE) 4-6fav (12-0) Ww; hdwy 13; led aft 2 out; hdd & nt qckn flat, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Heavenly Grey (11-0) at Larkhill 3m ptp gd in Feb '07.
Bay Cherry (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Tracked winner until not fluent 1st, hit 8th and 10th, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 49l behind Will Be Done (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Comhla Ri Coig 8-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, pulled hard, headway to lead approaching 4th, not fluent 9th, blundered 2 out, soon headed, weakened last, hung left flat, 4th of 10, 9l behind Gypsy George (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Going Wrong 40-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 11, 33l behind My Moment (11-8) at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Grande Monsieur (IRE) 11-1 (10-3) Held up, chased leaders approaching 4 out, stayed on from last to take 3rd close home, 3rd of 10, 14l behind Dan Buoy (11-1) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Minster Lane 250-1 (10-9) Well in rear, tailed off approaching 6th, 15th of 16, well behind Hunters Ploy (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Henbeck Lady (IRE) 200-1 (10-5) Held up, pushed along after 7th, weakened 8th, tailed off, 7th of 10, well behind Gypsy George (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Overlady 14-1 (11-4) Held up, smooth headway to track leaders approaching 3 out, ridden and chased winner from approaching last one pace run-in, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Fiftyfive Degrees (11-11) at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (6) hvy in Apr.
Uncommited (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, effort approaching 3 out, one pace from next, no impression, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Solway Sunset (11-6) at Ayr 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Nov.
