Imjoeking had already won a point-to-point and a bumper before only finding Morning Royalty too good on his hurdling debut at Carlisle. He'll be fancied to go one better here while Jumbo Supreme may prove a little better than he's shown so far, though this could prove on the sharp side. BIG WATER won a couple of bumpers last term and the fact that he twice ran well under penalties is usually a good sign. He was arguably out of his depth in his final outing at Aintree in April but this could be a good opportunity to make a winning start over timber. Croco Bay and Logical Approach have shown some ability but the latter is starting to look exposed.
Big Water (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway and not clear run over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 19, 41l behind The New One (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f nat hunt flat Grade 2 (1) gd in Apr.
Croco Bay (IRE) 80-1 (11-0) Led, hit 2nd, headed before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 15, 30l behind Woodpole Academy (11-0) at Newcastle 2m NH Maiden Hurdle (4-6yo) (5) hvy.
Imjoeking (IRE) 9-4fav (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Morning Royalty (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Jumbo Supreme (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up behind, headway before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 9, 18l behind Joseph Mercer (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov.
Logical Approach (IRE) 150-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead before last, headed last, weakened towards finish, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Gymdoli (10-12) at Hexham 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) hvy in Nov.
One In A Row (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, weakened from 3 out, 9th of 16, 48l behind Eduard (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Yorkist (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Prominent, took keen hold, not fluent 1st, pulled up before 3rd, saddle slipped, in a race won by Grate Fella (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) gd in Nov, 8 ran.
