THE KNOXS has winning point to point form to his name and is taken to win the bumper at the expense of Cunning Clarets and Botany Cove. Connections of the selection are always worth respecting in these races and the fact that Tony McCoy has travelled up for the south to ride a handful of Howard Johnsons horses is a plus. This is not the best bumper race ever staged and The Knoxs will have to be no world beater to win it. Cunning Clarets has his debut for Richard Fahey who knows how to produce them for time out. The market however will be the best guide to his chances. The same can be said about Botany Cove who is trained by Tim Easterby who does like to have a tilt in the ring where possible. But for the winner we return to The Knoxs.
Arran Law (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding, half-brother to 2 winners including chaser Storm Valley.
Botany Cove Alflora gelding out of Bobs Bay.
Fenwick Sands Kayf Tara gelding out of Bellabaloo.
Little Promise (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Led 2f, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 7th of 14, 14l behind Solway Sam (10-11) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Mick Flavin (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Behind, headway and in touch over 5f out, ridden and kept on final 2f, no impression, 6th of 14, 12l behind Solway Sam (10-11) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Samraanian Dancer 8-1 (10-11) Held up, never troubled leaders, 9th of 16, 23l behind Karmadice (10-8) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gd in Oct.
The Knoxs (IRE) (12-0) fell in race won by Knockreigh (12-0) at Glenbane 3m ire ptp sft in Oct, 9 ran.
Wymott (IRE) Witness Box gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Copsiano.
Quover Bay (FR) Ultimately Lucky filly out of Djeti.
Cunning Clarets (IRE) Trans Island gelding, full brother to Flat winner Charlie Tokyo.
Turbo Island Turbo Speed gelding out of Island Path.