in rear, ridden approaching last, stayed on to take 2nd towards finish
tracked leaders, left 2nd 4 out, weakened flat
made all, mistake 3 out, driven out
held up in touch, kept on same pace flat
tracked winner, fell 4 out
None of this small field of five should be ruled out, but preference is for THE SHY MAN ahead of Poker De Sivola and Quws Law. George Moore's gelding was handed a course and distance victory last time out when a short priced favourite who was leading blundered, so he broke his duck over fences at the sixth time of asking. It was by far his best performance to date, and his reward has been a five month lay-off. He comes into this contest gaining weight from his four rivals, none of whom have decent, recent form to write home about. Ferdy Murphy does well here, and he'll be hoping a lengthy break can reinvigorate Poker De Sivola, who's proved adept over hurdles but struggled over fences. Quws Law has raced in better company than this; last seen at Cheltenham, he may follow the adage of horses for courses as he saves his best efforts for Ayr, where his four British wins have come. More Likely has tired on the stiff finish here previously, but may find the firmer going here this time more to her liking. Silver Sedge was disappointing last month when racing for the first time for a few months, but he may have needed that pipe-opener, and can boast six wins from 25 attempts over fences. None of those wins came off as high a mark as he's on now though. It's one of those races that whatever wins won't come as a surprise, but carrying our support will be The Shy Man.
Poker De Sivola (FR) 14-1 (10-2) Mid-division, 11th halfway, 10th 6 out, ridden and no impression 5 out, kept on one pace, 12th of 28, well behind Niche Market (10-5) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs gd in Apr.
Quws Law (IRE) 80-1 (10-6) Mid-division, hit 8th, weakened 13th, 14th of 20, well behind Chapoturgeon (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov Listed hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
More Likely 25-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, pushed along and weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, last of 10, 42l behind Oscar Glory (10-9) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Sep.
Silver Sedge (IRE) 28-1 (11-7) Held up, pushed along and weakened approaching 4 out, 8th of 13, 24l behind Kells Castle (10-9) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Sep.
The Shy Man (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leader until led 5th, left 25 lengths clear 15th, unchallenged, won at Kelso 3m 1f nov stks (4) gd in May beating Stainley (10-12) by 24l, 4 ran.
