FORTUNATE ISLE contested what looked quite a decent maiden hurdle by Bangor standards on his return to hurdling last time and he can get off the mark on his eighth start over hurdles. Signalman disposed of what appeared a weak field when landing a maiden hurdle on his latest start and under a penalty he may be vulnerable while Ernest Blofeld, who was well supported on his racecourse debut here is a hurdling debutant for whom market support should be noted. Cheek-pieces are now re-applied to Fortunate Isle for whom a rating of 107 appears rather harsh as it seems that figure is based solely on his proximity to some smart sorts for which he looked flattered. Jumping out of heavy ground might not entirely suit him but against moderate opposition he can belatedly open his account. Signalman had to be ridden right out to score comfortably in the end last time. That was only his second start over obstacles so he can be expected to benefit further. Sirkeel renews rivalry with Signalman having finished 3 1/2 lengths behind him on his hurdling debut. That was his first effort in 18 months and he can be expected to improve for the outing although it is hard to see him reversing the form with Peter Montieth's charge from their Kelso clash. Ernest Blofeld stayed on well on debut at this venue to finish third. The form was not left down by the second, his stable companion Glenwood Knight who finished runner-up behind the smart Darstardly Dick at Exeter on Friday of last week. Catch Bob was an expensive purchase from the Irish point-to-point field. He has not had the best of luck to-date, with his saddle slipping on his racecourse debut before falling last time when looking likely to be involved for the placings. The market should be a good guide to his chances but two miles might just be on the sharp side for him. Fortunate Isle is nominated to land it.
Follow On 10-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression, 4th of 11, 41l behind Gray Mountain (11-5) at Perth 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Signalman 11-8fav (10-5) Chased leaders, not fluent 4 out, led last, driven out, won at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Sirkeel (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Blacks Bridge (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Prominent, weakened after 2 out, left 3rd after last, 6th of 16, 25l behind Signalman (10-5) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Carrick Star (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened approaching 5th, 9th of 13, well behind Grizebeck (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Catch Bob (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway and in touch 3 out, mistake and fell 2 out in race won by Diamond Frontier (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov, 16 ran.
Ernst Blofeld (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 6f out, every chance over 3f out until slightly outpaced over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Fortunate Isle (USA) 8-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 3 out, one pace, 5th of 13, 14l behind Grizebeck (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Gavroche Gaugain (FR) 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division outside, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, 11th of 12, well behind The Panama Kid (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Gin Mill (IRE) 200-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 9th of 16, well behind Diamond Frontier (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Sirkeel (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Led, headed last, kept on flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Signalman (10-5) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
