LEBOWSKI has taken well to hurdling and won both outings in novice company having shrugged off a penalty at Ayr last time. Further progress looks likely now handicapping and he gets the vote. Jante Law is a similar type and makes his handicap debut on his first start since May while Friary Rock placed at Gowran last time and has switched yards. Applesandpierres won this in 2019 but the veteran arrives badly out of form.
Lebowski (IRE) 8-11fav (11-7) Made all, pushed clear approaching last, eased comfortable, won at Ayr 2m (4) gs in Nov beating Livelifetothemax (11-0) by 3l, 12 ran.
Friary Rock (FR) 7-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, not fluent and led 3rd, pushed along and pressed entering straight, soon headed, ridden in 4th when mistake 2 out, no impression in 3rd at last, under pressure when carried right 100 yards out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 5 1/4l behind Good Time Jonny (10-7) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp gd in Oct.
Jante Law 5-2 (11-6) Made all, 3 lengths ahead last, ridden clear, unchallenged, won at Hexham 2m (4) gs in May beating Nobby (11-0) by 3l, 12 ran.
McGowan's Pass 16-1 (11-10) Prominent, close up from 3 out until 2 out, no extra last, 7th of 11, 22 1/2l behind Celebre D'Allen (11-5) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Natural History 9-1 (10-1) Raced keenly in last pair, never involved, 6th of 9, 17 3/4l behind Tommy's Oscar (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Applesandpierres (IRE) 25-1 (12-2) Raced wide tracked leaders, pushed along and hit 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 10, 31 3/4l behind Lady Tremaine (11-12) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
