If the weather forecast is correct the ground could be riding on the testing side so with doubts about most of these on soft ground, we will take a chance on Pigeon Island ahead of Prime Bere and Wise Choice. The selection made his hurdling debut in a Grade Two contest at Cheltenham so connections obviously feel that the ex-flat performer has ability. His run last time out was disappointing as he didn't jump at all well, however he is making his handicap debut today and looks on a fair mark. Wise Choice was only average on the flat however he made a winning start to his hurdling career on his debut at Hereford. He is best on fast ground so amid these wintry conditions we must oppose him, along with Left Hand Drive who is too inconsistent to be strongly fancied. If on a going day though he must be a danger. Another danger could be David Pipe's Prime Bere. It is hard to know what to make of her French form when she was soundly beaten in two Listed contests, however if the money comes for her today it may be worth heeding. Ultimately this looks a tricky opener, but we will stick with Pigeon Island to get his handicapping career off to a flyer.
Pigeon Island 8-1 (10-12) Hampered 1st, mistakes, weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, 35l behind Altilhar (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Left Hand Drive 14-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 5th, weakened next, 7th of 11, 40l behind Hi Dancer (10-13) at Hereford 2m 1f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Wise Choice 15-8fav (11-5) Prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 11, 12l behind Pukka Tique (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Nov.
Decree Nisi 20-1 (11-3) Held up, pulled way through to track leaders 3rd, ridden 3 out, beaten when pulled up 2 out in race won by Hi Dancer (10-13) at Hereford 2m 1f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Rebelling (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off when mistake 7th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Freeze The Flame (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Oct, 11 ran.
Changiz 100-1 (10-7) Always behind, lost touch from 5th, 7th of 11, 33l behind Malakiya (10-7) at Stratford 2m 4yo mdn hdl (4) gs.
Prime Bere (FR) 25-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, ridden 6th, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 29l behind Irish Whispers (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
