I'm Delilah has been a rather infrequent visitor to the racecourse since her debut victory in a Cheltenham bumper in April '07. She makes her debut here for the Ferdy Murphy stable having been formerly trained by Nicky Richards. It may prove shrewd to side with race fitness here unless the market suggests otherwise. Donald McCain saddles two with the booking of Jason Maguire on-board PALM READER suggesting he is the first string. A half-brother to the formerly smart Glenhaven Nugget, he showed some promise in his Uttoxeter bumper before never being involved on his hurdling debut at this venue. That was run on bottomless ground which failed to suit the majority on that particular day. Finlay is the second of the McCain runners. Two bumper outings for Finlay have yielded two fourth placings on sounder surfaces to today's. He did not shape as a typical bumper performer, appearing to get outpaced at certain stages of his races and this 2m 4f will be more to his liking. I'm Delilah shaped like a non-stayer on her sole attempt at this trip and together with the testing conditions on offer, she may not be one to be taking short prices about. Adieu Mari has been disappointing and this is reflected by the fact that connections had him entered up in Doncaster's October Sales from which he was an absentee. Campine Rose is another to have shown some promise in bumper company but Palm Reader is selected to win it.
Adieu Mari (FR) 50-1 (10-7) In touch to 4 out, soon beaten and fell at the last in race won by Doeslessthanme (11-0) at Kelso 2m nh mdn hdl (5) gs in Oct, 15 ran.
Castleroche (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, struggling from 5th and pulled up at the last in race won by Letterpress (10-12) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov, 6 ran.
Finlay 8-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Sharadiyn (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Flag Hill 100-1 (11-2) Behind 6f out, no impression, 10th of 16, 41l behind Quwetwo (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Isla Pearl Fisher 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 16, well behind Diamond Frontier (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Palm Reader (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 6th of 16, well behind Diamond Frontier (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Campine Rose (IRE) 8-1 (10-2) In touch, headway and every chance over 3f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 12, 7l behind Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
I'm Delilah 6-4fav (10-12) Held up, led after 3 out, hit 2 out, soon headed, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Romping Home (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
