Cage Aux Folles is back on a winning mark but has been lightly raced since his last win in April 2001. Minivet easily won a Catterick seller and is extremely well weighted at best so has to be considered. Irish import Jolly Side has been chasing in the main of late. Couloir is lightly raced but is 11lbs higher than for her Wincanton win in a 'Hands And Heels' event last April. Three Lions is racing from the same mark as his Hereford win 10 days ago. Despite being a full brother to the useful stayer Spunkie, this 57,000gns purchase (who was considered good enough to run at Cheltenham last year) looks best suited by today's trip and he can win again. Highland Rose hasn't progressed from her novice win here last March. Irish import Beyond Borders certainly warrants consideration on the best of his hurdling from. Park City has been raised 10lbs for winning a conditional jockey event but, only lightly raced and from a good stable, could well be competitive here. Reggie Buck's form has been on the slide but he is nicely weighted on his Wetherby win in November 2001. It's Wallace Jnr has run in just two hurdle races but is a winner and has acquitted himself well thus far. We'll learn more about him today. Dick Turpin won a Fakenham novice event over further in December and will ensure a good pace. Apadi will be sharper for a recent Flat run but will probably find a couple too good at least. Bengal Boy's only win has come in a chase and, overall, is opposable. Never Can Tell has been beaten from today's mark. Speed Venture is again tried in a visor, but it brought no improvement last time. Mystic Ridge has a long absence to overcome. The lightly raced Golden Crusader's form was let down by Be My Destiny last time and he looks held by Park City via Talarive form (as does Never Can Tell). Cool Chilli is well out of the handicap. Park City is the danger but Three Lions gets the vote.
