The outcome of this race hinges on how the smart flat performer Bolodenka takes to obstacles on this, his hurdling debut. The booking of Denis O'Regan, whose patient riding style is undoubtedly a positive for Richard Faheys' charge, who was verging on listed class on the level. The Fahey yard do well with horses changing codes which is a further encouragement. The worry would be the easy surface which may hinder his ability to stay the 2m trip. With those doubts in mind, former Godolphin inmate Red Admiral gets the vote. Three outings over hurdles would not allow you to come to the conclusion that his level of form on the flat will be transferred to hurdles but there was a lot to like about his most recent outing at Newbury. While he did not appear the most straight forward when he came off the bridle, those in front of him were no slouches, most notably the smart Crescent Island. That form line sets Bolodenka a stiff task, and while doubts linger regarding his resolution, Red Admiral gets the vote.
Bolodenka (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Towards rear, headway under pressure from 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 3l behind Monte Alto (8-10) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Sept (Flat).
Daniel's Dream 50-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, weakened from next, 6th of 11, 36l behind Blackpool Billy (11-7) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Naval Attache 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, never dangerous, 5th of 6, well behind Wee Forbees (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) gs.
Red Admiral (USA) 9-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Quizzene (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Sanpor (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Led, ran wide and headed approaching halfway, weakened 6f out, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Base Player (11-2) at Navan 2m nhf hvy in Mar.
Steel Man (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Led, mistake and headed 4th, hit next, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 9, well behind Lazy Darren (11-3) at Perth 2m nov hdl (3) gs.
Zoren (FR) 20-1 (10-0) Led to before 3 out, weakened next, 9th of 15, 18l behind Schelm (11-0) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Flutina Missed Flight mare, half-sister to winning hurdler/chaser Dingo Dancer.
Political Element 100-1 (10-2) Held up, weakened from 4th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Quicuyo (11-6) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar, 9 ran.
Troys Steps 200-1 (10-2) Towards rear, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 46l behind Quick Will (10-5) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
